Iran’s Oil Ministry has announced that the country generated a total of $18 billion from crude oil sales during its conflict with the United States and the subsequent ceasefire period.
In a statement published on Saturday through the ministry’s official website, officials disclosed that $11.5 billion was earned from oil exports during the war, while an additional $6.5 billion was generated during the ceasefire, which later broke down earlier this month.
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According to the ministry, the combined revenue accounted for more than 60 percent of the oil income projected in the country’s annual budget despite the ongoing crisis.
The latest figures contrast with comments made in late June by Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who had claimed that the country was unable to export oil because of a U.S. blockade on its ports.
The conflict erupted on February 28 after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran against American allies across the region.
Although a ceasefire reached in April significantly reduced hostilities, fighting resumed earlier this month as both sides continued to contest control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
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