The United States imposed additional sanctions on companies that have sold Iranian crude and on the maritime transport network.
On the 20th (local time), the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it newly designated as sanction targets Mas Investment and Loire Shipping, among others, which are front companies for the already sanctioned "Sepher Energy Jahan."
In addition, six vessels from the "shadow fleet" that have exported Iranian crude under third-country flags were also included in the sanctions. Previously, the Donald Trump administration sanctioned more than 170 vessels in connection with this.
Once designated for sanctions, all asset held in the United States are frozen, and U.S. nationals and corporations are prohibited from engaging in transaction with them. Violations of the sanctions can result in penalties for foreigners as well as Americans.
In particular, the Treasury said Iran has become more reliant on crude sales to rebuild its depleted military power after the so-called "12-day war" with Israel this year.
Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, said in a statement, "Today's action continues efforts to cut off funding for Iran's nuclear weapons development and support for terrorist organizations," adding, "Shutting down the Iranian regime's sources of revenue is essential to deterring its nuclear ambitions."