The Trump administration has sanctioned 13 additional tankers linked to Iran’s energy sector, intensifying efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reduce its funding for conflicts. The sanctions target associated companies and highlight the United States’ commitment to exerting maximum economic pressure on Iran.
The Trump administration has expanded its sanctions against Iranian oil exports, targeting an additional 13 tankers and 22 enterprises connected to Iran’s energy sector. This move aligns with President Trump’s directive to apply maximum economic pressure on Iran, aiming to deter its nuclear weapons development and reduce military funding for conflicts in the Middle East.
The enforcement of these sanctions disrupts Iran’s reliance on international tanker operations and access to the Chinese oil market, thereby affecting its energy sector’s resilience. The U.S. Treasury has expanded its blacklist, emphasizing both new sanctions and more rigorous application of existing ones.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “This network of illicit shipping facilitators obfuscates and deceives its role in loading and transporting Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia.” She noted that the sanctions are a pivotal measure in implementing President Trump’s strategy of maximum pressure on Iran, disrupting its oil revenue which fuels terrorism.
Recently named entities involved with the sanctioned tankers include companies such as AustinShip Management Pvt Ltd and Cosmos Lines from India, Alkonost Maritime from the UAE, and Petronix Energy Trading from Hong Kong, accused of purchasing significant quantities of Iranian oil. The sanctioned vessels now include the Amak, Asterix, and Phoenix I, among others, which further complicates Iran’s oil export capabilities.
The U.S. sanctions on 13 Iranian-linked tankers serve to tighten economic pressure on Iran, aiming to limit its capacity for developing nuclear weapons and financing terrorism. The move impacts key enterprises and shipping operations that are vital to Iran’s oil export strategy, illustrating the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s energy sector.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
