WikiIran
Case Closed: The Full Picture of the Iranian Military Oil Empire - Sepehr Energy Jahan and Sahara Thunder
WikiIran's Exclusive
By
Editorial
/
June 2025

WikIran's Investigation revealed that Sepehr Energy Jahan is another clandestine oil trading arm of Iran's military, employing tactics similar to those used by the previously exposed Sahara Thunder to evade international sanctions. Through intricate webs of front companies, rebranded oil, and covert transfers, these companies have established their own money laundering powerhouses.

As our series of exposés comes to a close, it's now evident that Sepehr Energy Jahan (SEJ) serves as the petroleum trading arm of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS), while Sahara Thunder fulfills a similar role for the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Our investigations have exposed the complex network of front companies, shady practices, and intentional obfuscation that characterize these entities.

One of the most striking aspects of both SEJ and Sahara Thunder is their reliance on shadow networks of front companies based in the UAE, China, and Hong Kong. These clandestine operations allow them to secretly peddle Iranian oil, evading international sanctions and scrutiny.

Furthermore, both companies have been caught engaging in the "rebranding" of their oil. SEJ often masquerading its crude as Malaysian or simply as "Crude Oil" a clever omission, while Sahara Thunder passes off its oil as Iraqi. This blatant deception is a deliberate attempt to mislead regulators and avoid detection.

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Above are two examples of fabricated bills of lading of both AFGS's Sepehr Energy Jahan and MODAFL's Sahara Thunder that demonstrate this tactic. Notably, SEJ tends to falsify its oil as Malaysian while Sahara Thunder tended to rebrand its oil as Iraqi.

The vessels used by both companies also reveal their clandestine nature. The NEREIDES and TREND vessels, identified as part of the Iranian shadow fleet, have been used by both SEJ and Sahara Thunder for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and other covert operations. However, one key aspect that sets SEJ apart from Sahara Thunder is the sheer scale of its operations. While Sahara Thunder's dealings are undoubtedly significant, SEJ's quantities are vastly larger, making it a more substantial player and a more vital funder of the Iranian Armed Forces. Another notable difference between the two companies is their approach to customer service. A comparison of SEJ and Sahara Thunder reveals SEJ's poor customer relations, lack of accountability and inconsistent business. The company's tendency to disregard schedules, neglect contractual commitments, and offer erratic discounts reflects its profound disregard for transparency and accountability. In contrast, Sahara Thunder's operations, although still shrouded in secrecy, appear to be more calculated and strategic in their approach. While this does not justify their actions, it highlights SEJ's particularly egregious behavior. As we conclude this expose, we reflect on our previous investigation into Sahara Thunder, which provided a crucial glimpse into the inner workings of Iran's clandestine oil trading network. The similarities between Sahara Thunder and SEJ are striking, demonstrating a clear pattern of behavior by Iran's armed forces. By comparing these two companies, we gain a deeper understanding of the tactics and strategies employed by the regime to evade sanctions and maintain its grip on the global oil market. This investigation has unequivocally demonstrated that Sepehr Energy Jahan and Sahara Thunder are two sides of the same coin - both are trading arms of Iran's armed forces, engaging in surreptitious oil trading and deception on a grand scale. These activities generate billions of dollars in revenue for notorious military organizations, supporting a wide range malign activities worldwide, including the promotion of terrorist groups to destabilize countries and the sale of advanced arms to pariah states. As the world grapples with the complexities of international sanctions, it is essential that WikIran continues to shed light on these shadowy operations, holding those responsible to account and preventing further abuse. It is time to bring these clandestine dealings out of the shadows and into the light of day.