US Sanctions Six Firms, Vessels Over Iranian Oil Smuggling Networks

The United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, has intensified its sanctions campaign targeting a network of companies, vessels, and individuals involved in smuggling and transporting Iranian oil and petrochemical products. These sanctions aim to cut off financial resources that Iran uses to fund terrorism and destabilizing activities, including support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. Key entities targeted include firms based in the UAE, India, Pakistan, and Panama, such as VS Tankers and SAI Saburi Consulting Services, which have been involved in disguising Iranian oil as originating from other countries to evade sanctions. The Treasury and State Departments emphasize this effort as part of the broader “maximum pressure” policy, following recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. President Trump has warned that any country or person involved in purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemicals will face immediate secondary sanctions, including being barred from business with the U.S. These actions reflect the administration's resolve to disrupt Iran's revenue streams and curb its nuclear ambitions and regional influence.