The US Treasury sanctions 12 vessels aiding Iran's oil exports, targeting its energy revenue and military programs in a continued pressure campaign.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added 12 more vessels to its sanctions list, citing their assistance in Iran's oil and petrochemical exports. The decision, announced on Wednesday, is seen as the latest step in Washington's campaign of sanctions targeting Iran's energy revenues and its associated military programs.
Among the newly sanctioned 'shadow fleet' vessels are natural gas carriers named Hoot, Luma, Danuta I, Alaa, and Gas Fate, as well as tankers Ocean Koi, North Star, Ateela 1, Ateela 2, Niba, and Remiz. U.S. authorities allege that these vessels have played a role in transporting Iranian oil, LPG, and various petrochemical products to international markets, circumventing sanctions.
Officials also highlighted claims regarding the vessel Gas Fate, which is alleged to carry ammonia produced from traditional natural gas in Iran. It is noted that ammonia shipments represent a less-targeted cargo item from which Iran continues to generate revenue despite sanctions.
Missile and UAV networks also targeted.
The sanctions package was not limited to maritime transportation. The U.S. Department of the Treasury also targeted individuals and companies alleged to be supplying Iran's ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle programs.
In this context, the Iran-based company Mado Nafar, which is claimed to produce engines for Shahed-136 attack drones, along with three intermediary companies alleged to have financed this structure, were added to the sanctions list.
Additionally, two firms accused of assisting in the supply of sodium perchlorate used in the production of ballistic missile fuel were also included in the sanctions. Perchlorate shipments had drawn significant international attention due to allegations related to a deadly explosion that occurred last year at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran.
Sanctions on four individuals for travel and technical support.
The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on four individuals who are alleged to have traveled to Russia and Venezuela to provide technical support for an Iranian-made light unmanned aerial vehicle to overseas users.
The Washington administration stated that these measures aim to limit Iran's energy revenues and the transfer of those revenues to military programs. It is expressed that the latest sanctions package has intensified pressure on the maritime transportation network and supply chains that Iran is believed to use to circumvent sanctions.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
