The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade, support for proxy groups, and human rights violations on Thursday (Washington local time). The Department of State is imposing sanctions on four entities involved in transporting Iranian oil and identifying six vessels as blocked property. These measures aim to curb Iran’s revenue sources, which the U.S. alleges are used to fund terrorism, destabilizing activities, and attacks on allies, according to several statements.
The Department of the Treasury has also sanctioned four additional entities and identified three vessels as blocked property due to their roles in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors. These actions are part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit shipping networks facilitating the sale of Iranian oil to buyers in Asia.
In a separate move, the Treasury Department sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to smuggling, arms trafficking, money laundering, and the shipment of illicit Iranian petroleum benefiting Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
Additionally, the U.S. has designated Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for gross human rights violations. The facility has been accused of subjecting political prisoners to inhumane treatment, including severe beatings, in retaliation for peaceful protests against a surge in executions.
The sanctions, enacted under Executive Order 13846 and CAATSA, block all property and interests in property of the designated entities and individuals in the U.S. or under U.S. jurisdiction. Transactions involving blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“The goal of these sanctions is not to attack but to bring about a change in behavior,” said a State Department spokesperson. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to working with allies to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions, both domestically and abroad.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan Al Jubair
