Iran says oil production unchanged despite US maritime blockade

Iran’s oil industry has faced some disruptions following the start of a US maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports, but authorities have implemented countermeasures to sustain output and exports, the country’s oil minister said on April 11.

According to Mohsen Paknejad, production levels had remained steady despite the escalation in pressure, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“During the 40 days of war, our production didn’t decrease, and the export process was favourable,” Paknejad said.

He acknowledged operational difficulties emerging after the blockade began but insisted that mitigation steps had been taken.

“Naturally, in the days following the (US) blockade, we have faced challenges, but measures were taken, and this process continues” adding “the enemy is full of delusions.”

Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that more than 20 American warships are enforcing a naval blockade against Iran, with 61 commercial vessels reportedly redirected and four others disabled to ensure compliance.

The maritime operation, launched on April 13 under the Trump administration’s “Operation Economic Fury”, targets all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to disrupt Tehran’s oil exports and commercial shipping routes. Washington has described the campaign as part of a broader sanctions enforcement strategy designed to choke off Iran’s key revenue streams.

U.S. officials said the pressure campaign is having a severe economic impact. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CBS that Iran’s government was losing major export revenues and that the operation was targeting overseas assets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Iran’s economy was “devastated”, citing a collapsing currency and near-depleted foreign reserves, and added that Gulf allies were increasingly aligned with Washington’s position.