US tightens sanctions on Iran’s shadow oil fleet
Illustrative photo: The United States announced tougher sanctions against Iran's shadow oil fleet (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Joe Biden has introduced a new package of sanctions against 35 organizations and vessels. According to the US Treasury Department, they are involved in the transportation of illegal Iranian oil, Reuters reports.
The move reportedly complements the sanctions imposed in October and is a response to the growing nuclear threat from Iran and its attacks on Israel.
The new restrictions are aimed at key economic sectors of Iran to deprive the government of resources to finance its nuclear program, produce missiles, and drones, and support terrorist groups in the region.
The sanctions prohibit US individuals and entities from doing business with sanctioned companies and freeze their assets in the United States.
The sanctioned vessels include tankers of various classes that transport oil from Iran and other countries. For example:
- Suezmax Min Hang, which loaded Urals oil in Russia and headed for Egypt.
- VLCC Phonix, which delivered cargo to the Chinese port of Rizhao.
- Aframax Vesna, which planned to load Russian ESPO Blend oil in the port of Kozmino.
Some tankers are anchored off Malaysia or are leaving Africa after loading crude oil, including the Bertha.
“The United States remains committed to disrupting the shadow fleet of vessels and operators that facilitate these illicit activities, using the full range of our tools and authorities,” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Bradley Smith.
The newly elected US President Donald Trump also plans to strengthen sanctions against Iran after his inauguration.
The European Union has already tightened restrictions against Iran because it cooperated with Russia.
