WANA (Aug 21) – The U.S. has announced new sanctions targeting several foreign firms and entities in the shipping and energy sectors, citing alleged connections with Iran. The move comes as part of Washington’s continued “maximum pressure” policy against the Islamic Republic.

 

In a statement issued Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department said it had added more than 10 companies and organizations based in countries including China, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and the Marshall Islands to its sanctions list.  A number of oil tankers and vessels linked to these companies were also designated.

 

U.S. Treasury Secretary claimed in the statement that the new measures “disrupted Iran’s oil export network.”

 

The sanctions are the latest in a series of unilateral measures Washington has pursued in recent years in an attempt to restrict Iran’s legitimate energy and foreign trade activities.

 

Iranian officials and international experts have repeatedly criticized the policy as illegal and in violation of international law.

 

Analysts note that the new sanctions, while intended to pressure Iran’s economy, are more likely to complicate global economic relations and harm the trade partners of other countries than to significantly affect Iran’s capabilities.

WANA - U.S.- Sanctions