Iran's oil minister said the country has generated $11.5 billion in oil sales during the war with the United States and another $6.5 billion during the ceasefire, according to Iranian state media, saying Tehran has exceeded budget expectations despite conflict and Western sanctions.

Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad also said Iran has realized more than 60% of the annual oil revenue projected in the country's budget, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media.

The figures could not be independently verified.

The claims come as Iran seeks to demonstrate the resilience of its energy sector after months of fighting and renewed U.S. pressure aimed at curbing the country's oil exports.

Iran remains heavily dependent on crude sales for government revenue despite years of sanctions targeting its energy industry.

Iran has continued exporting crude primarily to China through ship-to-ship transfers and other sanctions-evasion methods, according to analysts and shipping data.

During a temporary easing of restrictions earlier this summer, Tehran accelerated exports, shipping roughly 70 million barrels of crude worth an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion before U.S. pressure intensified again.

The Trump administration has sought to squeeze Iran's oil revenues through sanctions and other measures intended to limit the country's ability to finance its government and military activities.

Despite those efforts, several recent analyses have concluded that higher oil prices during the conflict helped offset lower export volumes, allowing Tehran to maintain stronger-than-expected oil income.