US Slaps Sanctions on Dozens Over Links to Iran Oil Exports
US slaps sanctions on dozens over links to Iran oil exports — Washington has imposed fresh restrictions on more than 50 individuals, companies, and vessels accused of helping Iran export petroleum and liquefied gas in defiance of international sanctions.
Over 50 Targets Named in Latest Crackdown
In a statement released Thursday, the US Treasury Department said the sanctions aim to cut off Tehran’s vital oil revenue stream, a major source of funding for its nuclear and military activities. The designations include a Chinese port, a China-based “teapot” refinery, and multiple firms accused of facilitating Iran’s global oil trade.
“The Treasury Department is degrading Iran’s cash flow by dismantling key elements of its energy export machine,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The US State Department separately announced sanctions on around 40 more entities, including major buyers of Iranian petrochemical products and executives linked to those trades.
Sanctions Target Chinese Companies and Oil Terminals
Among the sanctioned entities is Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group Co., which US officials said had imported millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2023.
The Treasury also sanctioned the operator of the Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal at Lanshan Port, alleging it accepted shipments from at least a dozen “shadow fleet” vessels transporting Iranian crude.
Thursday’s actions mark the fourth round of sanctions against China-based refineries since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, underscoring his administration’s renewed “maximum pressure” strategy on Tehran.
Property and Assets Frozen
The Treasury confirmed that all property and interests of sanctioned individuals or companies within the United States are now blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Companies owned directly or indirectly by the listed entities are also subject to the restrictions.
US Vows Continued Pressure on Tehran
US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington would continue to pursue anyone assisting Iran’s sanctions evasion networks.
“As long as Iran seeks to fund subversive activities through oil revenue, the United States will act to hold it and its partners accountable,” Pigott said.
The move comes less than two weeks after the United Nations reinstated snapback sanctions against Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, further isolating Tehran on the global stage.
