US Sanctions Chinese Shipping Firms for Transporting Iranian Oil

The US has imposed sanctions on eight Chinese and Hong Kong shipping companies for allegedly transporting Iranian oil to China, as part of Washington's economic campaign against Tehran. The sanctions freeze any assets belonging to the targeted companies within US jurisdiction and prohibit US individuals and businesses from dealing with them.

Six of the eight vessels identified by the US Treasury Department were specifically accused of carrying Iranian crude to China, in some cases transporting millions of barrels during 2026. This move supports the US Navy's enforcement of a blockade on Iranian ports and coastline, according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

The designations also targeted two Iranian companies accused of forcing commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to purchase maritime insurance against risks, including seizures, that Washington says are created by Tehran itself. The action aims to limit Iran's ability to evade sanctions and finance its nuclear program.