New US sanctions focus on Iran's 'shadow fleet'
Iran's and US' flags are seen printed on paper in this illustration taken January 27, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS
The United States has expanded its sanctions against Iran, targeting 35 entities and vessels it accuses of being part of a “shadow fleet” involved in transporting Iranian petroleum to international markets.
According to Aljazeera, this move, announced by the US Department of the Treasury on Tuesday, is designed to further disrupt Iran’s efforts to evade sanctions.
The sanctions mirror those imposed two months ago, following Iran’s missile attack on military sites in Israel on October 1 and its increasing nuclear activity.
Acting Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith stated that Iran continues to funnel proceeds from its petroleum trade into its nuclear program, the proliferation of missile and drone technology, and support for regional terrorist groups, all of which risk further destabilising the Middle East.
“The United States remains committed to disrupting the shadow fleet of vessels and operators that facilitate these illicit activities,” Smith stated, reaffirming the country’s ongoing efforts to use all available tools to combat Iran’s actions.
Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports are already heavily sanctioned by the US. As part of these new measures, the assets of the targeted entities will be frozen in the US, and American individuals and companies will be prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with them.
The sanctions come in the wake of heightened tensions following Iran’s missile barrage at Israel in early October. This was a retaliatory attack after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as well as the assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and an Iranian general in Beirut.
In response, Iran's envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that Iran would defend its sovereignty and vital interests against any aggression.
Iran has also warned of potential global consequences if the situation escalates into what it describes as an “energy war,” predicting a daily loss of 12 million barrels of oil, about 10% of global production.