The United States has imposed sanctions on the China-based independent "teapot" refinery Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and three oil terminal operators. These entities are accused of purchasing or facilitating the delivery of Iranian oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
In addition to these measures, the U.S. is also targeting several firms, vessels, and vessel captains involved in transporting Iranian oil to China. This activity is part of Iran's so-called "shadow fleet," which allegedly supports Iran's destabilizing actions and terrorist proxies.
This marks the third instance where a China-based independent teapot refinery has been sanctioned by the U.S. since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025.
The U.S. government stated, "So long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its destabilizing activities, the United States will hold both Iran and all its partners in sanctions evasion accountable."
Today's action is executed under Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, as well as E.O. 13846, focusing on Iranian petroleum exports. This move represents another step in a series of sanctions aimed at curbing Iranian oil sales following NSPM-2, which launched a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.
For further details on today's actions, refer to the Department of the Treasury's press release.
