US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela are as heavy as ever, but those nations are finding US estimations of what they’re not allowed to do increasingly irrelevant, and the two nations have close ties since the US is limiting their ability to work with anyone else.
The Iranian tanker Ndros is in Venezuela now, loading 1.9 million barrels of crude oil purchased by Iran. It is unclear if Iran intends to resell elsewhere, or refine the crude for sale abroad.
The US has forbidden Venezuela from selling oil, but can’t really stop Iran from buying it. Iran, likewise has been talking increased production, envisioning an easier time to market with Biden taking office in the US. This may be their way of trying to open an additional source of crude.
Iran is not commenting directly on the matter, nor is Venezuela. That’s probably because of US politics as well. Discussing trade will only anger the Trump Administration, and chances of improved ties are on hold until the inauguration.
“The US has forbidden Venezuela from selling oil”
My answer to anyone questioning my patriotism.
It looks like a trade of crude oil for refined products, because Venezuela lacks refining capacity but has lots of crude oil.