Iranian lawmakers are probing the failure to repatriate significant oil export revenues, with a senior parliamentarian raising concerns over approximately $6.7 billion allegedly not returned to the country through designated channels. The issue highlights ongoing challenges in Iran's sanctioned oil trade, where intermediary firms and brokers are used to bypass restrictions.
Hosseinali Hajideligani, deputy head of parliament's Article 90 Committee (responsible for investigating government performance), stated on December 27, 2025, that trusts and currency exchange firms contracted by the Oil Ministry have not repatriated the funds. Speaking to the semi-official ILNA news agency, Hajideligani described the matter as "extremely sensitive" given current economic conditions, warning that unsatisfactory explanations from Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad could lead to impeachment proceedings.
"The failure to repatriate oil revenues in hard currency is extremely sensitive under the country’s current conditions, and parliament is pursuing the matter seriously and decisively," Hajideligani said. He noted that Paknejad has formed an internal committee to investigate, but parliament will assess the Oil Ministry's responsibility and decide on potential action against the minister.
In response, Paknejad clarified on state television that the Oil Ministry's role is limited to oil trade and marketing, with repatriation monitored by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI). "The part related to the depositing of funds, including whether, when, and how much money has been credited to accounts at banks approved by the CBI, is monitored by the central bank itself," he said. Paknejad added that the ministry would cease cooperation with any trader unable to return revenues as flagged by the CBI.
Since U.S. sanctions reimposed in 2018, Iran has relied on intermediary companies to sell oil—primarily to private buyers in China—exporting around 1.5-2 million barrels per day in recent years. Reports suggest some new contractors submitted falsified documents to the CBI, claiming revenues were returned when they were not.
An ILNA report from early December referenced efforts to recover assets, including the seizure of the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara on December 15, 2025, while en route from the UAE to Hong Kong.
The investigation occurs amid broader economic strains, including sanctions tightening, falling global oil prices, and domestic budget pressures. While official figures claim stable revenues through increased volumes offsetting price drops, unrepatriated funds exacerbate currency shortages and inflation.
Parliament's scrutiny reflects growing legislative oversight of executive performance in managing sanctioned exports, a critical revenue source despite restrictions.
