The United States has announced sanctions against an international network accused of channeling illicit revenue to Iran's military. This network is said to facilitate the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China, with proceeds reportedly funding Iran's Armed Forces General Staff through Sepehr Energy, a front company. The sales are believed to support terrorist and proxy groups.
The U.S. is also targeting shadow fleet vessels and management companies involved in transporting Iranian oil, which allegedly aids Iran in promoting destabilizing activities in the region.
"We will disrupt illicit funding streams financing Iran’s armed forces and terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Hizballah," stated a spokesperson. "We will use all tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable for its destabilizing activities and pursuit of nuclear weapons that threaten the civilized world."
These actions are taken under Executive Order 13224, as amended, and Executive Order 13902. These orders give authority to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran's economy. Further details are available in the Treasury's press release.