The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting the flow of revenue to Iran, citing concerns over destabilizing activities in Iraq, the Middle East, and globally.
The latest measures target a network of companies and vessels reportedly led by Waleed al-Samarra’i, who holds citizenship in both Iraq and Saint Kitts and Nevis. According to U.S. authorities, this network has been involved in smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil.
“The United States will continue to pursue measures implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which directs the imposition of maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to deny it access to revenues that fund its destabilizing activities. We will not hesitate to utilize all available tools at our disposal to counter those who enable Iran’s illicit oil trade,” a statement from the U.S. government said.
The sanctions are enacted under Executive Order 13902, which allows for penalties against individuals or entities operating in specific sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum and petrochemicals. The Department of the Treasury is providing further details about these actions through its official press releases.
These steps reflect ongoing efforts by U.S. officials to enforce economic restrictions on Iran with the goal of curbing activities considered harmful by American policymakers.
