U.S. Treasury Sanctions Global Network Shipping Iranian Oil to China

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned an international network accused of transporting millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to China on behalf of Iran’s armed forces. OFAC stated that the network operates across multiple jurisdictions, including China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, utilizing several shipping companies and vessels to facilitate these transactions.

Iran’s oil exports, which generate billions of dollars annually, are alleged to fund its military activities and support for groups such as Hamas, the Houthis, and Hizballah. According to OFAC, Iran’s armed forces employ "front companies and brokers" to disguise these operations and evade detection.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent underscored the gravity of these sanctions, saying, "The Iranian regime remains focused on leveraging its oil revenues to fund the development of its nuclear program, to produce its deadly ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, and to support its regional terrorist proxy groups."

OFAC identified Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars (Sepehr Energy) as a front company used by Iran’s military to facilitate these transactions. Additionally, the agency sanctioned Marshal Ship Management Private Limited, an India-based firm, for providing crew members for vessels linked to Sepehr Energy. The firm’s director, Ryan Xavier Aranha, was also designated in the sanctions.

Authorities named the oil tanker SIRI, formerly known as ANTHEA, as a crucial vessel in these operations. The ship’s master, Iranian national Arash Lavian, was accused of falsifying shipping documents to conceal the vessel’s true activities. The sanctions also targeted companies involved in managing these shipments, including Miletus Line Ltd, Gozoso Group Ltd, and Ocean Dolphin Ship Management Ltd. Additionally, the tankers OXIS and GIOIOSA were identified as blocked property under OFAC’s measures.

As a result of these sanctions, all U.S.-linked assets of the designated individuals and entities are frozen, and American businesses are prohibited from engaging with them. OFAC also warned that foreign financial institutions could face secondary sanctions if they facilitate transactions with the listed parties. The agency emphasized that these measures are designed to pressure Iran into altering its activities.

By fLEXI tEAM