Lead
Iran was unable to export a single barrel of oil during the US blockade of its ports, the country's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said, adding that exports have since surged.
In an interview on state television, Mr. Ghalibaf said that "from the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels of oil," contrasting this with the preceding period of roughly 50 to nearly 60 days when Iran "was genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil."
Coverage comparison
Al Jazeera reported Mr. Ghalibaf's comments briefly, noting his statement that Iran could not export oil during the blockade and that exports have since surged. The report did not include additional detail beyond his remarks.
The Hindu — World provided a more extensive account, incorporating direct quotes from Mr. Ghalibaf and additional context. Its report noted the 40-million-barrel figure and also carried a separate statement in which Mr. Ghalibaf said Iran was prioritising diplomacy with the United States while remaining ready for war.
Key claims
Mr. Ghalibaf's central claim — that Iran was unable to export any oil during the US blockade — was reported by both Al Jazeera and The Hindu — World, with the latter quoting him directly.
The specific figures cited by Mr. Ghalibaf — more than 40 million barrels exported since the lifting of the blockade, and the inability to export even a single barrel during the blockade period — were carried in The Hindu — World's report.
The claim that Iran is prioritising diplomacy with the United States while remaining prepared for war also comes from Mr. Ghalibaf's remarks on state television, as reported by The Hindu — World.
Mr. Ghalibaf made these statements in the context of upcoming discussions between Iranian and US delegations, which The Hindu — World noted were due to take place in Doha.