The United States Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iran oil sales and supporting Tehran’s weapons programs. The action, carried out through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of Washington’s continuing maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and financial networks.
According to the Treasury, the measures specifically targeted ships operating within Iran’s so-called shadow fleet, which officials say is used to covertly transport petroleum and petrochemical products in violation of existing sanctions. Authorities stated that these vessels and their operators collectively moved hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil through complex oil trade networks designed to evade detection.
In addition to maritime targets, OFAC sanctioned multiple procurement networks accused of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) obtain sensitive materials. Officials said these materials included precursor chemicals and specialized machinery needed to rebuild Iran’s ballistic missiles and advanced conventional weapons production capacity. The networks were also accused of assisting the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to third countries.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department would maintain Iran pressure by continuing to disrupt the financial and logistical systems that support Tehran’s military programs. He alleged that Iranian authorities exploit global financial channels to sell illicit petroleum, launder proceeds, and procure components for nuclear and conventional weapons development, while also backing militant proxies.
The latest designations also included nine individuals and entities based in Iran, the UAE, and Turkey that officials say played key roles in procurement and transport operations. The move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows reports that the Trump administration has been weighing additional options to counter Tehran’s activities.
Iranian officials have previously warned against escalation, and diplomatic contacts between the two sides have occurred in the past. However, the newest sanctions signal that Washington intends to sustain economic and strategic pressure as part of its broader Iran sanctions policy.
