Sanctions – US Expands Restrictions Targeting Alleged Iranian Oil Shipping Network
Sanctions – The United States has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting an alleged network involved in transporting Iranian oil and bypassing existing trade restrictions. The move marks another step in Washington’s broader economic strategy aimed at limiting Tehran’s oil-related revenue.
US Announces New Sanctions Package
The latest measures, unveiled by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target a large network that American authorities say played a key role in facilitating Iranian oil shipments. According to the department, the network is linked to Iranian energy businessman Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani and is accused of helping move oil through complex international business arrangements.
The sanctions apply to more than 50 individuals, companies, and vessels that US officials believe were involved in the operation. Authorities say the action is intended to disrupt financial and logistical channels that allegedly supported the transportation and sale of Iranian oil despite existing sanctions.
Individuals, Companies and Vessels Included
As part of the latest announcement, six individuals have been placed under sanctions, including Asghar Aghili Dehkordi and Behzad Moghadas. In addition, 24 companies and 20 ships have also been designated under the new restrictions.
US officials allege that those named in the action participated in a network of shipping operators, financial intermediaries, logistics providers, and overseas shell companies designed to conceal the origin and movement of Iranian oil. According to the Treasury Department, these arrangements helped bypass international trade restrictions and move funds linked to the transactions.
Financial Restrictions Take Immediate Effect
The Treasury Department stated that all assets and property interests belonging to the sanctioned individuals and entities that fall under US jurisdiction will be frozen. American citizens and businesses are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving those listed under the sanctions.
Officials said the measures are intended to limit access to international financial systems and make it more difficult for the targeted network to continue its activities.
US Says Action Targets Key Revenue Source
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest enforcement effort is focused on cutting off an important source of funding that Washington believes benefits the Iranian government.
In a statement, Bessent said the administration considers the Shamkhani-linked network to be a significant part of Iran’s sanctions evasion efforts. He added that the objective of the restrictions is to weaken financial channels that US authorities argue contribute to activities viewed as threats to American national security and the safety of international maritime trade.
Maritime Security Remains a Growing Concern
The announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Recent attacks involving commercial vessels in the region have increased concerns over maritime security, with US officials attributing responsibility to Tehran. Iran has previously rejected similar accusations made by the United States.
The US Department of State said the sanctioned network allegedly relied on Iranian and foreign nationals, offshore business structures, and intermediary companies to market restricted oil cargoes and transfer the resulting proceeds back to Iran.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the latest sanctions are intended to dismantle what Washington describes as an extensive shipping and sanctions evasion network. According to US officials, the operation enabled the movement of restricted oil exports while generating revenue that they claim supported activities affecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.