#BREAKING | Iranian Tankers Resume AIS Transmissions After Years of Concealment
For the first time since 2018, 20 to 25 of Iran"s 39 National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC)-flagged oil tankers have resumed accurate Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions, according to TankerTrackers.com. This change marks a significant shift from previous operations where the tankers were hidden to conceal illicit exports, which were estimated at 1 to 2 million barrels per day.
The reason for the sudden visibility of these tankers remains unclear, particularly in the context of ongoing U.S. sanctions pressure on Iran"s oil exports. The resumption of AIS transmissions could indicate a change in operational strategy or compliance with international maritime regulations.
As previously reported, the Iranian oil sector has faced significant challenges due to sanctions, impacting its ability to export oil openly. The recent developments surrounding the tankers may have implications for the global oil market and international relations.
For more related coverage, see recent developments regarding international tensions.