US Slams Brakes on Russia-Iran Oil Smuggling Ring

The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on an international oil smuggling and money laundering network that it says is backed by Russia and supports Iran's Quds Force and Hezbollah.

The network, led by officials of the Quds Force and supported by senior levels of the Russian government, has facilitated the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil for the Quds Force and Hezbollah, according to a statement from the US Treasury on Wednesday.

US-designated Quds Force official Behnam Shahriyari and former official Rostam Ghasemi lead the network, which is also backed by state-run economic organs in Russia.

The move comes as Washington remains engaged in efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal. Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, emphasized that 'the US will not hesitate to target those who provide a critical lifeline of financial support and access to the international financial system' for the Quds Force and Hezbollah.