The overland route presents a limited lifeline for Tehran, but cannot substitute for sea-based oil trade.

China's crude oil imports fell 20% in April 2026 to 38.5 million metric tons, the lowest since mid-2022, as the Iran conflict closes the Strait of Hormuz.

The regime has managed to sell billions of dollars in crude to China using a clandestine network of aging tankers. | World News

The overland route presents a limited lifeline for Tehran, but cannot substitute for sea-based oil trade.

Despite escalating US sanctions and a maritime blockade, Iran continues to earn billions of dollars in oil revenue by using a clandestine network of aging tankers to ship crude to…

China and Iran appear to be adapting to mounting U.S. pressure with new energy and transport corridors. Iran has signaled special transit treatment for China and Russia in the…