Iran provides three million barrels of oil to Syria
Iran continues to support Syria with massive oil shipments to address the fuel crisis in Syrian areas controlled by the al-Assad regime. This alliance would further strengthen the commitment between the Iranian theocracy and the Syrian dictatorship, which seeks to reinforce its position in the Mediterranean and open up new markets to stimulate the country's economy.
Syria has been dependent on its Iranian ally for oil supplies since the outbreak of the civil war, averaging around 70,000 barrels per day. However, supplies have dwindled as a result of tightening US sanctions and Iran's pursuit of cash exports. Similarly, according to experts, Tehran is supporting Damascus with oil shipments to reinforce its role as a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In this sense, Iran would be able to oxygenate its economy and Syria would obtain oil resources in exchange, which would be of prime necessity, given that a significant part of the oilfields would be under US control. According to analyst sources, most of the oil production facilities and refineries in Syria were rendered unusable during the course of the fighting.
Regime-controlled areas have been experiencing a severe fuel crisis for years that has led to the rationalisation of crude oil due to shortages of fuel and gas needed to operate power plants. However, Damascus continues to blame the crisis on the Suez Canal stalemate.
"Arman 114", "Sam 121", "Daran" and "Romina" are the tankers that are reportedly making these exports, according to data from the International Ship Tracking System. In addition, two of these tankers are said to have already arrived at the refinery in the port of Baniyas, while the other two are said to have lost tracking due to the closure of the special tracking systems as a result of the blockade of the Suez Canal on 8 and 9 April.
In 2019, the two leaders have already strengthened their commercial ties in order to keep al-Assad in power. However, Iran is seeking to forge ties, including with the country's paramilitary minorities, in order to pursue its own interests. In this regard, since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, Iran has increased its military assistance through the Quds Force, the international division of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard.
The Syrian conflict has been an opportunity for Tehran to realise Iran's desire to intervene in order to make its presence felt on the regional geopolitical stage and to manifest its hegemony in the rivalry with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Moreover, ensuring the survival of the Syrian regime would guarantee Iran's continuity with Hezbollah's ties. In addition, following continued arms supplies to the Islamic organisation, Iran would become a major offensive force for Israel. In this sense, Israel would be cornered by this movement, as Iran's strategy would involve a "land belt" linking the country to the Mediterranean via Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.
On the other hand, relations between Venezuela and Iran are growing, thus circumventing the sanctions imposed by the United States. In this sense, it is feared that, beyond petrol deliveries, there will be exchanges in the area of intelligence and also in the military sphere.
Along these lines, the presidential commissioner appointed by Juan Guaidó for Foreign Relations, Julio Borges, has assured that "Iran is using Venezuela as a base for its operations to expand its influence in the region". He also stated that "it is not an alliance to sell gasoline, it is a link to affect the interests of the region".