The United States has announced new sanctions on 12 individuals and entities accused of facilitating the sale and transport of Iranian oil to China.
The measures were confirmed by the US Treasury Department ahead of the planned visit of US President Donald Trump to Beijing.
Iran oil export network targeted
According to Washington, the sanctioned network supports the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it says relies on shell companies to conceal its role in oil sales.
The US Treasury stated that these entities operate through jurisdictions with weaker oversight in order to disguise transactions and channel revenue back to the Iranian state.
Companies and individuals sanctioned
The sanctions list includes three individuals based in Iran and nine companies located in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
All assets held within the United States will be frozen, while American citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting any business with the designated entities.
Broader geopolitical tensions
The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States, Iran and China over energy flows and sanctions enforcement.
Washington continues to target networks it says help Iran bypass international restrictions on oil exports, which remain a key source of revenue for the country.
Further developments are expected as diplomatic and economic pressure between the involved states intensifies.
Source: CNA
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