World
Iran Under Sanctions: How the Regime Still Finances Its War
Despite two rounds of US-Israeli strikes since 2025 and severe international sanctions, Iran continues to fund its military operations. According to Die Zeit, Tehran covertly exports oil via a shadow fleet and channels most of these proceeds to its elite military force. China absorbs 80–90% of Iran's oil exports. Iran is also turning to barter, informal monetary channels, and money printing. Analysts suggest that a rapid economic collapse of the regime through blockade remains unlikely.