Iran among world’s six largest holders of strategic oil reserves

Pars Today – Based on data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Iran, with 74 million barrels of oil storage, holds the sixth position among the world’s strategic oil reserves.

According to Pars Today, citing Mehr News Agency, the latest EIA report shows that despite international sanctions, Iran remains among the top 10 countries with the largest strategic oil reserves in the first quarter of 2026, with 74 million barrels in storage. This figure represents an increase of 3 million barrels compared to the previous quarter.

The report indicates that during this period, Iran’s oil reserves surpassed those of countries such as the UAE, France, Spain, and India, and are more than three times India’s strategic oil reserves.

Meanwhile, China, with over 1.5 billion barrels of oil reserves and a 10% increase in the recent quarter, has demonstrated that it is taking potential threats to regional energy routes very seriously.

Based on these data, the United States, despite repeated claims of energy independence, holds only about 413 million barrels in reserves, with no increase compared to the previous period.

Japan ranks third with 263 million barrels, Saudi Arabia fourth with 88 million barrels, and South Korea fifth with 78 million barrels.

In comparison, France’s oil reserves are reported at 33 million barrels, less than half of Iran’s strategic oil reserves.

Analysts believe that Iran’s position among holders of strategic oil reserves has become a key factor in scenarios involving energy crises and potential tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, enhancing the country’s resilience and strengthening its geopolitical weight.