In a move aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran, the United States has imposed sanctions on nearly two dozen companies and entities accused of helping Tehran circumvent sanctions on its oil exports. The action comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s continued efforts to finance its ballistic missile program and proxy groups across the Middle East.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the newly sanctioned network is involved in facilitating the sale and shipment of Iranian oil, particularly to markets in East Asia, including China. These companies allegedly used deceptive practices such as falsified documentation, ship-to-ship transfers, and disguised ownership structures to obscure the origin of the oil.
At the center of this network is Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, a state-linked company believed to operate under Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. The company is said to manage a fleet of tankers and a web of front companies that aid in exporting sanctioned oil under false pretenses.
Several shipping firms, inspection companies, and oil trading intermediaries based in the United Arab Emirates, China, and Singapore were also sanctioned. These entities reportedly played key roles in laundering Iranian oil through global markets by creating a façade of legitimacy for the shipments.
The U.S. government emphasized that this latest round of sanctions is part of its broader effort to disrupt Iran’s financial networks and limit its ability to fund destabilizing activities in the region. Officials warned that additional sanctions could follow if other parties are found to be engaging in similar activities.
This development comes as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, with sanctions enforcement becoming a critical tool in Washington’s strategy to curb Iran’s influence and military ambitions.
