US Expands Sanctions Network Targeting Iran Oil Trade With China

Mintesinot Niggusie

The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and nine companies accused of supporting Iranian oil shipments to China, widening its crackdown on a sanctions-evasion network linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The latest measures include entities based in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, which the U.S. Treasury Department said relied on front companies to move oil and process payments.

The designated companies include Hong Kong-based firms such as Hong Kong Blue Ocean Ltd and Hong Kong Sanmu Ltd. In the UAE, firms like Dubai-based Ocean Allianz Shipping LLC were accused of facilitating shipments using vessels linked to Iran’s “shadow fleet.” Oman-based Zeus Logistics Group was also sanctioned.

The State Department also announced a reward of up to 15 million US dollars for information that could disrupt financial networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The move follows earlier sanctions targeting weapon component procurement.

The announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Iran-related issues are expected to be discussed, including Washington’s efforts to restrict Tehran’s oil exports.