By Georgi Kantchev

The looming U.S. blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports would have the biggest impact on the main buyer of Iranian oil: China.

Before the war, almost all Iranian oil went to China, where it accounted for approximately 13% of China's seaborne oil imports. Tehran has been selling its oil primarily to independent Chinese refiners known as "teapots." Lacking international exposure, they usually ignore U.S. sanctions, scooping up discounted Iranian crude to remain competitive domestically.

This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 13, 2026 04:42 ET (08:42 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.