The US State Department escalated sanctions against Iran's oil export network on Thursday, targeting four companies and two vessels involved in illicit petroleum trade. The move builds on US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign.
Among the designated entities is Guangsha Zhoushan Energy Group Co, Ltd, a Chinese company accused of repeatedly acquiring Iranian crude, including over 13 million barrels since 2021. The firm operates a terminal on Huangzeshan Island linked to a major Chinese refinery. Additionally, three vessel management companies were sanctioned for transporting millions of barrels of Iranian oil.
"Today's action includes the designation of a second China-based crude oil and petroleum products storage terminal with a demonstrated pattern of violating US sanctions on Iran," said the department in a statement.
