How purchases of sanctioned Iranian jet fuel were disguised by Myanmar
Myanmar has been using deceptive shipping practices to import sanctioned Iranian jet fuel by mislabeling it as diesel. Satellite imagery and shipping records confirm the use of sham contracts to bypass US sanctions intended to curb the military's ability to conduct airstrikes.
Why it matters
This highlights the limitations of international sanctions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where fuel supplies directly support military operations against civilians.
Shipments of jet fuel between Iran and Myanmar have continued in 2026, Reuters reported in October, citing SynMax Intelligence analysis and satellite imagery.
Listen Summarise Myanmar disguised Iranian jet fuel imports as diesel using sham contracts, false paperwork and regulator approval, despite US sanctions on the country’s jet-fuel trade. Reuters said the December 2025 Reef shipment carried about 113,000 barrels from Iran’s Bandar Abbas, while earlier May and June deals also hid jet fuel as diesel. The scheme shows sanctions are pressuring trade, but Iranian fuel still reaches Myanmar, funding Tehran and helping Myanmar’s military carry out flights and airstrikes. AI generated
In December 2025, the US-sanctioned tanker Reef arrived in Myanmar waters with around 113,000 barrels of fuel backed by sham paperwork.
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