US Targets Iranian Oil Shipping with New Sanctions

The US government has designated eight companies for operating vessels that have transported Iranian crude oil to China and the UAE.

The ships are part of Iran's shadow fleet, which Tehran uses to evade sanctions imposed on its petrochemical products.

The US also sanctioned the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority and the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company, both backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The IRGC-backed companies are accused of manufacturing risks and charging commercial vessels for coverage against dangers created by the IRGC.