The United States announced on July 14 a series of measures aimed at disrupting the illicit shipping and sanctions evasion network associated with Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who has been designated by U.S. authorities as a key enabler behind Iran’s oil exports. The action is part of ongoing efforts to increase pressure on the Iranian regime following what officials describe as unlawful attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the announcement, more than 50 individuals, entities, and vessels have been designated for their roles in enabling Shamkhani and supporting continued profits for the Iranian regime. Officials said these activities occur while “the Iranian people suffer.”
The statement outlined that Shamkhani’s network uses both Iranian and foreign nationals and firms to carry out sanctions-evasion schemes. Offshore shell companies are described as critical components that allow the group to trade sanctioned goods and recover proceeds from those trades.
“The United States will use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable for its actions,” according to officials involved in implementing these measures.
These designations are being carried out under Executive Order 13902, which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify and impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran’s economy. Additional details about this action can be found in a press release from the Department of the Treasury.