Isolated in the midst of a global pandemic, Iran is using its sanctioned oil and energy expertise to garner favor and financial gain from two other nations shunned by the U.S.: Syria and Venezuela. Iran is delivering some of its unsold oil to Syria in exchange for greater diplomatic influence in the region and bartering its crude-refining technology for gold with Venezuela, according to people close to the three governments.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 11, 2020 21:22 UTC