US Imposes Sanctions on Companies Accused of Transporting Iranian Oil

US Sanctions 14 Vessels, Two People, and 15 Entities Over Iranian Oil Trade

The US State Department has imposed economic penalties on 14 nautical vessels, two individuals, and 15 entities for allegedly circumventing restrictions on the transport of Iranian oil and petroleum products. The sanctions are part of a broader effort to restrict Iran’s access to revenue.

The vessels, ship management companies based in countries such as China, Liberia, and Turkey, were targeted for trading in Iranian-origin crude oil, petroleum products, or petrochemical products. The US has a history of imposing sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.

In a statement, the State Department said the new sanctions aim to support antigovernment protests in Iran. The department stated that it will continue to impose economic penalties on individuals and groups that help prop up Iran’s economy.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening additional tariffs against any country that acquires goods or services from Iran. The tariff threat is comparable to measures taken against countries supplying oil to Cuba, which faces a US-led energy blockade.

The administration aims to restrict the flow of revenue used by the Iranian government to support terrorism abroad and repress its citizens. The State Department stated that it will continue to act against shippers and traders involved in the transport and acquisition of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.

This latest round of sanctions is part of a mounting pressure campaign against Iran under President Trump’s administration. In recent months, Trump has voiced willingness to take military action against Iran, following air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last year. The US and Iran are currently engaged in talks in Oman to reduce tensions between the two countries.

The Trump administration released a list of demands for Iran, including dismantling its nuclear programme and restricting its ballistic missile stockpile. While some Iranian officials have rejected certain demands, Friday’s negotiations concluded with Iran’s participation.

Source: Al Jazeera