US Hits Iran with New Oil Trade Sanctions Amid 'Maximum Pressure'

The US Department of Treasury has imposed new sanctions on Iran's oil trade, targeting eight tankers and 10 entities linked to the country. The move is part of Washington's 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran's revenue streams, which it claims fund the development of weapons programs and support for regional proxies.

The US Treasury notice states that six of the sanctioned entities are based in China, according to Reuters. This latest round of sanctions comes after President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran hard, hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Jordan in retaliation to US-Saudi coordinated attacks on Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq.

The US Treasury aims to cut off revenue it says funds Tehran's weapons programs and regional proxies. The sanctions target the 'shadow fleet' of Iranian tankers that operate under flags of convenience in other countries, making it harder for the regime to conceal its oil trade activities.