The United States has intensified its economic pressure on Iran by imposing new sanctions on dozens of people, companies, and vessels linked to Tehran’s oil sector. The move, announced on Thursday by the US Treasury Department, targets over 50 entities accused of facilitating Iran’s export of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), a crucial revenue source for the country.
Among the targets are Chinese firms, including Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group Co., which the Treasury said had purchased millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2023. The Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal at Lanshan Port was also sanctioned for accepting multiple shipments from “shadow fleet” vessels carrying Iranian crude.
The sanctions, the fourth round against China-based refineries since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January, highlight Washington’s renewed commitment to isolating Tehran’s energy trade. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the measures are designed to “degrade Iran’s cash flow by dismantling key elements of its energy export machine.”
The US State Department also announced sanctions on around 40 additional individuals and entities, including “some of the largest buyers of Iranian petrochemical products by volume and value.” These actions follow the United Nations’ recent snapback sanctions on Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, further deepening the country’s diplomatic and economic isolation.
Under the new sanctions, any property or assets linked to the designated entities in the US are frozen, and American citizens or companies are prohibited from conducting business with them.
US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that Washington remains determined to curb Iran’s financial activities, stating, “So long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its subversive activities, the United States will act to counter and promote accountability for Iran and its partners in sanctions evasion.”
These measures add to the hundreds of individuals, firms, and ships already penalized under Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran.
