US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran's Shadow Fleet and Arms Networks

The United States Department of the Treasury has announced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran's ability to finance its military programs and support for proxy groups. The action, taken by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), designates four Iranian individuals, 16 companies across multiple countries, and restricts the operations of 12 tankers and gas carriers.

The sanctions are aimed at more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels that facilitate the illicit sale of Iranian petroleum products and aid in the production of ballistic missiles and advanced conventional weapons. This move is part of Washington's ongoing campaign to exert maximum pressure on Tehran.

A primary target is Iran's so-called "shadow fleet"—additional vessels that transport Iranian oil and petroleum products to foreign markets. According to the Treasury Department, revenue from these sales serves as a key source of funding for domestic repression inside Iran, support for terrorist organizations, and weapons development programs.

The sanctions also target extensive procurement networks that enable Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to acquire precursor materials and sensitive equipment. These supplies are critical for rebuilding ballistic missile production capabilities, manufacturing advanced conventional weapons, and proliferating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to third countries.

The restricted vessels operate under the flags of Barbados, Vanuatu, Iran, Comoros, Palau, and Panama. The designated companies are registered in jurisdictions including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands.

This announcement comes just ahead of a new round of talks between Iran and the United States scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Tehran has previously indicated a willingness to make concessions regarding its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.