The United States Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting over 30 individuals, entities, and vessels involved in Iran's illicit oil sales. This move aims to eliminate the financial resources supporting the “ghost fleet” network and the Tehran regime's ballistic missile development programs.
According to information from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on February 25, at least 12 oil tankers have been blacklisted for participating in the transport of millions of barrels of illicit oil. The Treasury Department asserted that oil revenues play a key role in financing domestic repression and supporting regional proxy forces.
Tightening the supply of military components and technology
This round of sanctions also includes suppliers of precursor materials and sensitive machinery for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Ministry of Defense. These entities are accused of providing essential equipment for Tehran to maintain and develop its nuclear and conventional weapons programs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran is exploiting the global financial system to conduct money laundering and procure military components. He emphasized that the Trump administration will continue to maintain a maximum pressure strategy targeting the country's weapons capabilities and support for armed groups.
“We are committed to using every financial tool to prevent Iran from exploiting the international economic system to fund dangerous weapons programs and destabilize the region.”
This new measure marks a more aggressive step in the financial tightening campaign against Iran amid growing bilateral tensions. The expansion of the sanctions list demonstrates the United States' determination to block resources that help Iran maintain its military influence on the international stage.
