The United States has taken decisive action to disrupt the Iranian regime’s ability to fund its destabilizing activities, including its nuclear program, support for terrorist groups, and oppression of its own people. In a move aimed at cutting off the regime’s means of funding its illicit trade, the Department of State has imposed sanctions on 20 entities involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products.
According to a statement released by the Department of State on July 30, 2025, these actions target terminal operators, vessel management companies, and wholesale buyers that have collectively facilitated the export and purchase of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. The sanctions also identify 10 vessels as blocked property, marking the eleventh round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since February 4, 2025.
The Department’s actions are aimed at disrupting the illicit oil and petrochemical trade network in Iran, which has been used to fund the regime’s destabilizing activities. “Today’s Department of State action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, which targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors,” said a spokesperson for the Department. “These actions underscore our resolve to target those who enable Iran’s illicit oil and petrochemical trade and to cut off the regime’s means of funding its destabilizing activities.”
The sanctions also target multiple vessel management companies whose tankers have engaged in illicit shipments and other deceptive shipping practices, endangering global trade flows. Additionally, a China-based operator of a crude oil and petroleum products terminal that has repeatedly accepted Iranian-origin crude oil is being designated for its involvement in the illicit trade.
In addition to the Department of State sanctions, the Department of the Treasury has also designated over 115 targets in the regime insider Hossein Shamkhani’s vast shipping empire and sanctions evasion network. The Treasury Department’s actions mark a significant escalation of pressure on Iran, which will continue to impose maximum pressure until Iran accepts a deal that advances regional peace and stability and forgoes all aspirations of a nuclear weapon.
The sanctions are part of the United States’ efforts to support National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, issued by President Trump on February 4, 2025. The memorandum outlines a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran, which will continue until the regime meets certain conditions.
Key Targets
- 20 entities involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products
- 10 vessels identified as blocked property
- Multiple vessel management companies and wholesale buyers targeted for their role in facilitating illicit shipments
- A China-based operator of a crude oil and petroleum products terminal designated for its involvement in the illicit trade
- Over 115 targets designated by the Department of the Treasury, including regime insider Hossein Shamkhani’s shipping empire and sanctions evasion network
The sanctions are aimed at disrupting the Iranian regime’s ability to fund its destabilizing activities, but their impact on the ground remains to be seen. As the United States continues to impose maximum pressure on Iran, it will be watching closely for any signs of progress towards a deal that advances regional peace and stability.