Exclusive - From the Maldives to Venezuela: how Iran gets oil to an ally

…The Maldives' STS exchange was new for Venezuela, but Iran has conducted at least one prior exchange in waters near the archipelago, according to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), an advocacy group that monitors Iran-related tanker traffic. "As Maximo Gorki was making its voyage toward Venezuela, Iran was able to send out a NITC tanker to meet it near The Maldives," said Claire Jungman, UANI's chief of staff. "The location is strategically convenient for Iran, taking roughly five days for the Iranian tankers to get from Khor Fakkan to Male," The Maldives capital.