[untenured]

From what I understand, the nature of the oil market today means both that the emirs and mullahs can't prevent their oil from getting here unless they don't export at all, and that we almost can't avoid buying their oil unless we refuse to import any oil at all by ship.

[Dog Gone]

You understand correctly. That's why this story is either completely false, or Khamenei doesn't have the slightest clue how oil markets work.

[dennisw]

Thanks for the answers. Due to a lot more oil being sold via the spot market the oil is more fungible. It goes to the high bidder whomever he might be.