The United States Department of State has announced sanctions on four entities involved in the transportation of Iranian oil, alongside the identification of six vessels as blocked property. This move is part of a broader effort to limit Iran's revenue sources that are allegedly used for malign activities.
A spokesperson stated, "As long as Iran devotes its energy revenues to funding attacks on U.S. allies and partners, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing destabilizing actions, we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable." The Department of the Treasury is also taking action by sanctioning four additional entities and identifying three more vessels related to operations in Iran's petroleum or petrochemical sectors.
In parallel, twelve individuals and entities have been sanctioned by the Treasury for their involvement in smuggling, arms trafficking, money laundering, and shipping illicit Iranian petroleum benefiting Ansarallah, known as the Houthis.
Furthermore, Ghezel Hesar Prison in Iran has been determined to meet criteria under section 106 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The prison is accused of gross human rights violations including cruel treatment and punishment against political prisoners protesting executions through a hunger strike.
The State Department's actions fall under Executive Order 13846 targeting certain sectors of Iran's economy. Concurrently, Treasury actions are pursuant to Executive Orders 13902 and 13224 aimed at terrorist groups and supporters. Additional details can be found in both departments' official releases.
