US Sanctions Target Illegal Iranian Oil Shipments
- The US Treasury Department has sanctioned companies, individuals, and vessels involved in illegal Iranian oil and gas shipments.
- The shipments were aimed at Yemen and the UN, leading to the sanctions due to violation of international regulations.
- The sanctions highlight the US government's crackdown on illicit activities in the oil and gas sector.
On August 15, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a series of new sanctions targeting Iranian shipments that support the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Lebanese Hezbollah. The sanctions, issued by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control, focus on several companies, individuals, and vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil and liquefied petroleum gas to Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. This move aims to disrupt Iran's financial support for its regional proxies. Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith, emphasized the U.S. commitment to countering Iran's funding sources for groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. He stated, "Our message is clear: those who seek to finance these groups' destabilizing activities will be held to account." The sanctions also include updates on the vessel Artura, linked to Houthi financial official al-Jamal. Among the entities sanctioned is Hong Kong-based Kai Heng Long Global Energy Limited, accused of shipping Iranian liquefied petroleum gas worth millions to Hezbollah. The Treasury identified four vessels owned by this company as blocked property. Additional sanctions targeted various tankers and their owners, including LPG OM, Raha Gas, and Divine Power, all implicated in facilitating illegal Iranian oil shipments. The sanctions extend to several other companies and individuals, including UAE-based ONXTrading FZE and Malaysian-based Transmarine Navigation SDN, which have been involved in transporting Iranian commodities. The Treasury's actions reflect ongoing efforts to curb Iran's influence in the region through financial means.