Have You Heard of Ghost Ships That Transport Oil Illegally at Sea, but Did You Know They Are Essential for Iran to Raise Billions and Finance Its Revolutionary Guard? Here’s How It’s Done

Written by Rannyson Moura

Published on 27/02/2026 at 08:31

Updated on 27/02/2026 at 09:37

Esquema com “navios fantasmas” permite ao Irã driblar sanções internacionais e manter a exportação de petróleo, gerando cerca de US$ 50 bilhões por ano para a Guarda Revolucionária.

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Scheme with “Ghost Ships” Allows Iran to Evade International Sanctions and Maintain Oil Exports, Generating Around US$ 50 Billion Per Year for the Revolutionary Guard.

Oil has returned to the center of a billion-dollar machine that operates away from the spotlight. Even under strict international sanctions, Iran maintains a heavy flow of exports. Much of this revenue supports the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

The Revolutionary Guard in Iran does not operate solely as a military force. It controls a vast economic empire. It is present in strategic sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and the petrochemical industry. Major national projects go through companies linked to the group. Conglomerates valued in the billions of dollars orbit its structure.

However, it is oil that guarantees the primary source of revenue.

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International Sanctions and the Creation of the “Ghost Ships”

The sanctions imposed on Iran officially restrict the sale of oil in the international market. Still, every day, around two million barrels leave the Iranian coastline.

The operation occurs quietly. As they approach regions like Indonesia and Malaysia, vessels turn off their tracking systems. They disappear from the radar. For this reason, they have become known as “ghost ships.”

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At sea, the oil is transferred to another vessel. This second ship sails under a different flag. Later, the cargo’s primary destination is China.

This exchange makes it difficult to identify the origin of the product. Thus, Iranian oil continues to circulate, even under embargo.

A Parallel Market Generating US$ 50 Billion Per Year

The clandestine machinery has created a highly lucrative parallel market. Estimates indicate that the scheme generates around 50 billion dollars per year for the Revolutionary Guard.

This amount finances both the internal structure and external operations. Meanwhile, inside the country, the reality is different.

At the end of January, the rial reached its lowest value in history. Inflation continues to pressure prices. The population faces growing difficulties.

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Still, oil revenue remains a key piece for sustaining the state apparatus. Amid diplomatic isolation and trade restrictions, the regime found an alternative route at sea to maintain the flow of billions.

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Have You Heard of Ghost Ships That Transport Oil Illegally at Sea, but Did You Know They Are Essential for Iran to Raise Billions and Finance Its Revolutionary Guard? Here’s How It’s Done

Scheme with “Ghost Ships” Allows Iran to Evade International Sanctions and Maintain Oil Exports, Generating Around US$ 50 Billion Per Year for the Revolutionary Guard.

International Sanctions and the Creation of the “Ghost Ships”

A Parallel Market Generating US$ 50 Billion Per Year

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Have You Heard of Ghost Ships That Transport Oil Illegally at Sea, but Did You Know They Are Essential for Iran to Raise Billions and Finance Its Revolutionary Guard? Here’s How It’s Done

Scheme with “Ghost Ships” Allows Iran to Evade International Sanctions and Maintain Oil Exports, Generating Around US$ 50 Billion Per Year for the Revolutionary Guard.

International Sanctions and the Creation of the “Ghost Ships”

A Parallel Market Generating US$ 50 Billion Per Year

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While the U.S. still faces limitations in deep space, China is developing unprecedented technology with strategic satellites that maintain communication with the far side of the Moon and aims for dominance by 2030.

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