U.S. Sanctions Chinese Refinery Over Iran Oil

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sweeping sanctions on a Chinese refinery in Shandong province, accusing it of purchasing over $1 billion worth of Iranian crude oil. According to U.S. officials, the proceeds from these transactions are  U.S. officials believe these transactions fund Tehran’s government operations and its support for militant groups. Reports have linked some of the oil shipments to a front company associated with Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Authorities have highlighted the refinery’s role in helping to circumvent international sanctions.

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In addition to targeting the refinery, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also sanctioned multiple companies and vessels involved in the illicit oil trade.These actions are part of a broader strategy. It targets Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network used to smuggle oil. This defies global restrictions. The move highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s energy exports. It aims to limit Iran’s ability to finance destabilizing activities. “The United States has already penalized dozens of individuals and vessels involved in the shipments. “Any refinery, company, or broker, including Chinese entities, that buys Iranian oil or helps facilitate Iran’s oil trade faces serious risks. 

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U.S. Vows to Curb Iran’s Oil Revenues as China Condemns Sanctions on Refinery

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Trump is committed to reducing Iran’s illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero. “As long as Iran seeks oil revenues to fund destabilizing activities, the U.S. will hold Iran and its partners accountable,” Bruce added. The new sanctions were announced on the same day Iran confirmed talks with the U.S. on Tehran’s nuclear program. The new sanctions were announced on the same day Iran confirmed talks with the U.S. on Tehran’s nuclear program. These talks would be held in Rome. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, responded. He stated that the sanctions “undermine international trade, disrupt economic exchanges, and infringe upon the legitimate rights of Chinese companies and individuals.”

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