11:39 - 20.08.2026

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August 20, Fineko/abc.az. Speaking to Iranian state television, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati acknowledged the severe impact of the U.S. naval blockade on the nation's energy sector, confirming that crude exports have halted completely.

"When we talk to Qataris or Iraqis, they say their exports have dropped to zero. Ultimately, the same applies to us — we are not exporting any oil. This is the reality, but we anticipated it," Hemmati stated.

Hemmati noted that the government and the Central Bank had taken preemptive measures to cushion the blow. However, he highlighted that unlike neighboring Gulf states, which retain access to their foreign financial reserves, Iran remains unable to access its overseas assets due to U.S. blockades and sanctions.