Panama is Fueling Iran’s Illicit Oil Trade

Panama is fueling Iran's illicit oil trade and should not escape consequences of enabling Iran's evasion of sanctions, much less, receive diplomatic prestige.

As a recent op-ed by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Chairman, Jeb Bush and CEO, Mark Wallace makes clear, Panama’s recent assumption of the UN Security Council presidency comes at a deeply concerning moment. For years, UANI has documented how Panama’s maritime registry has enabled Iran to evade international sanctions. Despite public promises of reform, the registry remains a primary hub for vessels carrying illicit oil, funneling billions of dollars back to Tehran in defiance of international sanctions. 

Extensive investigations have highlighted systemic failures, including the reflagging of vessels already stripped by other registries for sanctions violations. Even after receiving repeated alerts, some 116 vessels in UANI’s Ghost Fleet of tankers evading Iran sanctions carry the flag of Panama. UANI leadership has underscored that this failure undermines global security while enabling Iran to fund terror proxies and destabilize the region.

The international community cannot ignore these realities. Granting Panama a position of authority on the UN Security Council risks legitimizing its complicity in sanctions evasion. Instead, Panama should face tougher accountability measures until it demonstrates a serious commitment tackling Iran’s sanctions evasion which fuels its malign activity, undermining international peace and stability.

That is why CPAC has joined forces with UANI through our CPAC for Iranians in Exile coalition. Together, we are working to elevate the voices of Iranians forced into exile, spotlight Panama’s ongoing failures, and demand meaningful accountability. Our partnership ensures that policymakers and the public alike understand the stakes, and that the Iranian people know they are not alone in their struggle for freedom.

Learn more here.