U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Network

WANA (May 08) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, including penalties against a Chinese refinery and three Chinese ports, as part of Washington’s ongoing pressure campaign against Tehran.

In a statement released Thursday evening on its official website, the Treasury Department said the latest measures aim to intensify pressure on companies importing Iranian oil. The sanctions also target several shipping companies, vessels, and individuals accused of facilitating Iranian oil exports through what Washington refers to as Tehran’s “shadow fleet.”

U.S. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Scott Bessent, claimed the move is part of the Trump administration’s broader “maximum pressure” campaign.

“Today, we sanctioned an oil refinery importing Iranian oil. The United States remains committed to targeting every link in Iran’s oil supply chain to disrupt the regime’s revenue generation,” he stated.

Despite President Donald Trump’s assertions that diplomacy remains an option with Iran, his administration has consistently intensified its pressure tactics, even during indirect talks with Tehran.

These latest measures come at a time when, according to Bloomberg, Iran’s oil exports have reached unprecedented levels despite the ongoing U.S. campaign.

According to the Treasury’s statement, the new sanctions add two foreign nationals, eleven foreign companies, and six foreign oil tankers to the U.S. sanctions registry, expanding the list of entities barred from conducting business with American firms or accessing the U.S. financial system.