US Targets Shadow Fleet Operators in Expanded Iran Oil Sanctions

The US has expanded its sanctions against Iran's oil revenues, targeting companies in mainland China and Hong Kong that are accused of helping to evade those sanctions. The State Department says six tankers have been involved in delivering Iranian crude to China, with some voyages involving millions of barrels.

The designated companies include Billion Nexus Int'l, Confident Apex, Marinova Freight, Nevada Spirit, Qi Hang Ship Management, Branch Saying International Trading, Ocean Tranquility, and Vast Mighty. The tankers implicated are the Al Salmi, Breeze V, Crystal, Lily, Natsumi, Nireta, Well Sail, and Yehope.

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has added these entities to its Specially Designated Nationals list under Executive Order 13902. This means that all property and interests in the US or controlled by US persons are blocked, and dealings with them are generally prohibited absent authorization.