US Sanctions Over 50 Iran-Russia Oil Shipping Entities

On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department, as part of President Trump's renewed maximum pressure campaign, imposed sanctions on more than 115 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to a vast shipping network controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Iran's supreme leader. This network facilitates the transport of Iranian and Russian oil and petroleum products globally, generating tens of billions in profits and enabling the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities, including nuclear and missile programs and support for terrorism. The sanctions also target companies and vessels involved in deceptive shipping practices that obscure Iranian oil exports, with entities based in Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE among those affected. U.S. officials emphasized that while the sanctions impact Russian oil trade linked to the Ukraine conflict, the primary goal is to cut off funds for Iran's dangerous weapons programs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender underscored the administration's commitment to preventing Tehran from circumventing sanctions and furthering its destabilizing agenda. The measures coincide with ongoing U.S. and Israeli efforts to curb Iran's nuclear capabilities, with President Trump warning Russia to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine or face additional sanctions.