Iranian tankers appear to be en route to Venezuela

May 18, 2020

Up to five Iranian-flagged vessels are carrying gasoline to Venezuela despite US sanctions and pressure on both countries.

Iran and Venezuela have had strong relations for years, in part due to both of their hostile relations with the United States. Both countries help each other maintain trade in the face of US sanctions.

Venezuela was once Latin America’s largest oil producer, but years of political and economic chaos have left the industry in ruins. The instability in Venezuela, where the United States supports an opposition government trying to take power, has led to a need for gasoline at present.

The five Iranian ships are the Clavel, the Forest, the Faxon, the Fortune and the Petunia. All fly Iran’s flag and were loaded at a gasoline refinery near Bandar Abbas, Iran, according to The Associated Press.

At least some of the ships made ambiguous reports about their destination. The Clavel first listed its destination as Caracas — the capital of Venezuela — on May 12. However, the vessel later listed its destination as “to order.” The Forest made its destination “South America to order” May 14.