US Imposes Sanctions on Iran Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Trade

Sanctions Target Brokers, Tanker Operators, and Iranian Oil Officials

On February 24, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals and vessels involved in the sale and transportation of Iranian petroleum-related products. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that these sanctions target Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to bypass restrictions and continue oil exports.

Key Targets of the Sanctions

The new measures affect a wide range of entities, including:

Oil brokers based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong
Tanker operators and managers in India and China
The head of Iran’s National Iranian Oil Company
The Iranian Oil Terminals Company

Impact on Iran’s Oil Trade

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctioned vessels transport tens of millions of barrels of crude oil, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. The sanctions prohibit U.S. individuals and entities from engaging in business with the affected parties and freeze any U.S.-held assets.

U.S. Officials’ Statement

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented on the sanctions, stating that Iran continues to rely on “a shadowy network of vessels, shippers, and brokers” to sustain its oil trade and fund destabilizing activities.

Broader Sanctions Strategy

These sanctions build on previous measures imposed by the Biden administration, targeting key sectors of Iran’s economy. The goal is to cut off funding for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and limit its ability to finance regional destabilization efforts.

“US Imposes Sanctions on Iran Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Trade”