PWANA (Dec 20) – In an interventionist move, the US State Department has placed four Iranian entities, allegedly involved in oil exports, and Ghezel Hesar Prison, accused of “gross human rights violations,” on its sanctions  list.

 

The State Department announced sanctions on these four entities, claiming they were engaged in Iranian oil exports. Additionally, six vessels were designated as blocked properties linked to these entities.

 

In its statement defending the sanctions, the US State Department emphasized Washington’s commitment to cutting off Iran’s revenue sources allegedly used for “malign activities.”

 

Regarding Iran’s regional activities, the statement read: “As long as Iran allocates its energy revenues to funding attacks against US allies and partners and supporting violence worldwide, we will continue to use all tools at our disposal to hold it accountable.”

 

The statement also referenced the Treasury Department’s sanctions imposed the previous evening against four entities and three ships allegedly involved in the transport of Iranian oil and petrochemical products. These were described as part of Iran’s “clandestine maritime fleet.” The Treasury also sanctioned 12 individuals and entities for their roles in facilitating smuggling, arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal oil transportation benefiting Yemen’s Ansarullah, labeled by the US as a “global terrorist organization.”

 

Claims that Iran’s oil revenue is used for such activities have been repeatedly denied by Iranian officials, who insist that their support for Yemen is political rather than financial or military.

 

The US State Department further accused Ghezel Hesar Prison of engaging in “gross human rights violations” and “inhumane and degrading treatment” of prisoners, placing it under Washington’s sanctions.