United States imposes sanctions on more than 50 individuals, entities, and a vessel linked to Iran’s shipping network

Washington, July 14 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday the imposition of sanctions on more than 50 individuals, entities, and a vessel linked to an Iranian “illegal” shipping network engaged in sanctions evasion. In a statement, the Treasury said the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is intensifying its efforts to disrupt and undermine the illegal shipping and sanctions-evasion network operated by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, as part of its ongoing campaign to increase economic pressure on the Iranian regime following its resumption of destabilizing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Treasury noted that Shamkhani’s network remains a key driver behind Iranian oil exports and has expanded into global container shipping and commodity trade. It added that the sanctions target “more than 50 individuals, entities, and vessels” that enable Shamkhani and the Iranian regime to continue profiting.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that “the Iranian regime relies on deception, and Shamkhani’s network is one of its most profitable engines.” He emphasized that his department is working to “weaken the financial infrastructure that allows the regime to continue threatening U.S. national security and global shipping.”

It is worth noting that U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in early February last year to reinstate the “maximum pressure” policy toward Iran, a strategy adopted by his administration during its first term, which tightened the squeeze on Iran and took numerous measures to economically isolate it, including withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Tehran. (End) A.S.J. / S.A.M.