The United States has expanded its sanctions on Iran, targeting 35 entities and vessels involved in its “shadow fleet,” which is responsible for transporting Iranian petroleum to international markets. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the sanctions on Tuesday, aiming to disrupt Iran’s ongoing efforts to circumvent sanctions.
These measures are similar to sanctions imposed two months ago in response to Iran’s missile strike on Israeli military sites and its increasing nuclear activities. Acting Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley Smith, emphasized that Iran uses proceeds from its oil trade to fund its nuclear program, missile and drone technology proliferation, and support for regional terrorist groups, which threatens to further destabilize the Middle East.
The sanctions freeze the assets of the targeted entities in the U.S. and bar American individuals and companies from conducting financial transactions with them. These actions are part of broader U.S. efforts to combat Iran’s illicit activities, particularly in the context of its missile attack on Israel in October, which was a retaliatory move after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and an Iranian general.
Iran has responded by warning it would defend its sovereignty against any foreign aggression. Additionally, Iran cautioned that any escalation could lead to an “energy war,” potentially resulting in a daily loss of 12 million barrels of oil, about 10% of the world’s total production.
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