WSJ: Iran building up its oil reserves beyond Persian Gulf

Following last week’s US strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, Iran is increasing oil exports through the Jask terminal in the Gulf of Oman, despite stable shipments from its main facilities on Kharg Island, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing analytics firm Kpler.

The Jask terminal provides greater shipping flexibility compared with Kharg, which is connected to the Strait of Hormuz.

“While Kharg remains the focal point, Jask is emerging as a critical secondary dynamic,” Kpler said in a note.

It added that whilst ships have to pass through the virtually closed Strait of Hormuz to reach Kharg, Yasq is located in the Gulf of Oman and is easier to reach.

According to Kpler, oil inventories at Jask have reached a record 5.42 million barrels, surpassing the previous peak of 5.03 million barrels recorded after the 12-day war in June 2025. Stocks at Kharg remain stable at around 18 million barrels.

Kpler analysts note that the buildup at Jask reflects Iran’s strategy of positioning oil outside the Persian Gulf as a reserve buffer, echoing patterns observed during previous periods of regional instability.

By Khagan Isayev