In a move aimed at disrupting the Iranian regime's illicit oil trade, the United States government has sanctioned six entities and identified four vessels for knowingly facilitating transactions involving petroleum products from Iran. The announcement was made on July 3, 2025, by the Department of State.
According to the Department, these sanctions target companies involved in smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil, as well as networks that have collectively transported and purchased billions of dollars' worth of Iranian crude. Among those targeted are a network of companies run by Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said, whose operations have profited from this illicit trade.
The sanctions are being imposed pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 and E.O. 13902, which target Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, as well as the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended. This marks the tenth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025, ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.
The Treasury Department has also designated oil smuggling networks and shadow fleet vessels engaged in the covert delivery of Iranian oil, further tightening the noose around those who enable Iran's illicit trade. The Department of State notes that these sanctions will continue to be pursued as part of efforts to support National Security Presidential Memorandum 2.
The United States government emphasizes its commitment to using all available tools at its disposal to counter those who facilitate Iran's destabilizing activities, and to denying the regime access to revenues that fund its terrorism and oppression abroad. The latest round of sanctions is seen as a significant step in this effort, demonstrating the administration's resolve to hold accountable those who seek to undermine regional stability.
Key Targets:
Six entities sanctioned for knowingly engaging in transactions involving Iranian oil
Four vessels identified for facilitating petroleum product smuggling from Iran
Networks involved in transporting and purchasing billions of dollars' worth of Iranian crude
Background:
The sanctions announced today are the latest in a series of measures targeting Iranian oil sales since President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025. These actions demonstrate the administration's commitment to using all available tools at its disposal to counter those who facilitate Iran's destabilizing activities.
Conclusion:
The United States government has taken significant steps to disrupt the Iranian regime's illicit oil trade, imposing new sanctions and designating key targets. This marks the latest in a series of measures aimed at supporting National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 and denying the regime access to revenues that fund its terrorism and oppression abroad.