The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday, announced sanctions against more than 30 individuals, entities and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iranian petroleum sales and supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programmes.
According to the Treasury, the measures target vessels linked to what officials describe as Iran’s “shadow fleet”, ships used to transport Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products to foreign markets despite existing sanctions. The action also focuses on networks allegedly helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics obtain precursor chemicals and sensitive machinery needed to rebuild missile and weapons production capacity.
“Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The Treasury said it designated 12 vessels and their owners or operators that it claims have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. Among those listed were the Panama-flagged HOOT, accused of shipping liquified petroleum gas to Bangladesh, and the Barbados-flagged OCEAN KOI and NORTH STAR, which officials say moved millions of barrels of high sulfur fuel oil and condensate.
Other vessels cited include the Comoros-flagged FELICITA, Iran-flagged ATEELA 1 and ATEELA 2, the Palau-flagged NIBA and DANUTA I, the Vanuatu-flagged LUMA, the Panama-flagged REMIZ and GAS FATE, and the Palau-flagged ALAA. U.S. authorities allege these ships transported Iranian liquified petroleum gas, fuel oil, naphtha and grey ammonia to markets in East Asia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and Pakistan over the past several years.
Beyond shipping, the Treasury also sanctioned nine individuals and entities based in Iran, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for allegedly facilitating procurement of chemicals and equipment for the IRGC and Iran’s defence ministry.
Iran-based Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company was cited as a producer of engines used in Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles. Turkish companies Utus Gumrukleme Gida Tekstil Ithalat Ihracat Dis Ticaret ve Sanayi Limited Sirketi, Arya Global Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, and Altis Tekstil Makina Ticaret Limited Sirketi were accused of acting as financial intermediaries in related transactions.
The Treasury also named Iran-based Adak Pargas Pars Trading Company and UAE-based Mostafa Roknifard Prime Choice General Trading LLC in connection with alleged efforts to procure sodium perchlorate for Iranian government-linked customers, including Parchin Chemical Industries.
Additionally, four individuals based in Iran were designated for alleged ties to Qods Aviation Industries, an entity under Iran’s Ministry of Defense. According to the Treasury, two employees traveled to Russia to provide technical support for Mohajer-series drones, while two others traveled to Venezuela for similar support activities.
Under U.S. sanctions rules, any property or interests in property belonging to the designated individuals or entities that are in the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.
The Treasury noted that in 2025 alone, more than 875 persons, vessels and aircraft have been sanctioned as part of what it describes as an ongoing pressure campaign targeting Iran’s energy exports and weapons-related activities.
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