US imposes new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil smuggling network
Measures include shipping firms, tankers, and businessman accused of disguising Iranian oil as Iraqi
WASHINGTON, US (MNTV) — The United States has introduced a fresh round of sanctions against Iran, targeting a network of shipping companies and vessels accused of disguising Iranian oil exports as Iraqi crude to bypass restrictions.
In a statement released Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the measures apply to one individual, four entities, and several tankers linked to the scheme. The network was identified as being run by Iraqi-Kittitian businessman Waleed al-Samarra’i.
According to the Treasury, the group covertly blended Iranian oil with Iraqi shipments, marketing it abroad as exclusively Iraqi in origin.
The operation, Washington claims, has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for both Iran’s government and al-Samarra’i.
The latest sanctions list includes nine oil tankers and seven companies tied to the smuggling activities.
U.S. officials said the move reflects continued efforts to curb Tehran’s oil revenues, which remain a key source of funding despite restrictions imposed since Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
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