US imposes new sanctions on Iran’s oil trade and Hezbollah

New Sanctions Target Iran and Hezbollah Connections

On Wednesday, the State Department announced fresh sanctions aimed at businesses and individuals tied to Iran and Hezbollah.

These measures involve six entities and four vessels linked to Iran. The sanctions prohibit any significant transactions related to purchasing, acquiring, selling, transporting, or marketing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran.

According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, these operations are primarily managed by Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed.

Bruce also noted that the Treasury Department is designating an oil smuggling network responsible for transporting and acquiring vast amounts of Iranian oil.

Furthermore, several ships part of a covert fleet involved in the undisclosed delivery of Iranian oil are also under scrutiny.

Additional companies—including Kaveh Methanol Company, Aria International, Asian Sea Angel Shipping Company, Sai Saburi Consulting Services, Breeze Marine Asset Management, and Isle Innovation—are now facing penalties as well.

“The Iranian regime continues to incite conflict and instability in the Middle East, disrupt trade, and finance terrorism and proxy groups,” Bruce explained regarding the financial implications.

“Today’s actions aim to cut off revenue sources that support these destabilizing activities and to suppress the Iranian populace,” she added.

This announcement comes just a week after President Trump indicated he would permit China to buy Iranian oil without facing additional U.S. sanctions.

Trump remarked, “China can now continue to buy oil from Iran. Hopefully, they’ll also purchase a lot from the U.S.,” in a post on Truth Social prior to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear site.

Both the U.S. and China are navigating ways to ease tensions following the recent trade war, while the White House engages in tariff negotiations globally.

Additionally, the State Department expressed intentions to support Lebanon, noting actions against the Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution, Al-Cardo Al-Hassan (AQAH).