The Impact of International Sanctions on Iran’s Energy Exports to China

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Student in Political Science, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

10.22126/ipes.2026.12098.1745

Abstract

Multilateral international sanctions, as well as those imposed by the United States and Western countries against the Islamic Republic of Iran, have had a significant impact on Iran’s energy transactions. These sanctions, designed to restrict Iran’s oil and gas exports and exert economic pressure, have substantially reduced the country’s share in the global sale of underground resources by deterring potential buyers in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, China, as one of the world’s largest energy importers, has remained the primary purchaser of Iranian oil and gas. Over the past few decades, China has been a key economic partner of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The central question of this study is: How have U.S. international sanctions on Iran’s energy sector affected Iran’s oil and gas exports to China? The findings of this research indicate that China’s imports of Iranian oil and gas have experienced a declining trend over the past decade. Moreover, the Chinese government has, in practice, aligned itself with international sanctions against Iran. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the principles of the political economy of conflict, while the research methodology involves trend analysis and qualitative examination of statistical data and news reports related to Iran-China energy transactions. 

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Main Subjects


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