Following a temporary sanctions waiver from Washington, Iran has begun talks with Japanese companies regarding potential crude oil sales, marking a possible resumption of trade that ceased after 2018 sanctions tightened.
Japan, South Korea, India, and European countries stopped buying Iranian oil when sanctions from Washington tightened following President Donald Trump's 2018 nuclear pact withdrawal; China has served as Iran's primary buyer since.
Prospective buyers face significant hurdles securing insurance and ensuring safe tanker passage from Kharg Island, with the shipping agency estimating 80 floating mines in the waterway.
Trade sources and analysts report the temporary waiver is unlikely to draw orders from well-stocked Asian refiners, while the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry stated officials were unaware of potential deals.
The sanctions waiver from Washington expires August 21, creating a narrow window for transactions; Iranian and Western sources note any deal would require Washington to extend this timeline.