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US Sanctions Iran's Shadow Fleet and Arms Networks in Global Crackdown

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran's illicit oil trade and weapons procurement networks. The action targets Iran's so-called "shadow fleet" used to transport hundreds of millions of dollars worth of petroleum products to regions like East Asia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Simultaneously, the sanctions aim to disrupt networks in Iran, Türkiye, and the UAE that supply components for Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs. This is part of the ongoing "maximum economic pressure" campaign against Iran.

Key Points: US Sanctions Iran's Oil Fleet and Missile Networks

  • Targets Iran's shadow oil fleet
  • Disrupts ballistic missile supply chains
  • Sanctions vessels and global companies
  • Part of "maximum pressure" campaign
3 min read

US sanctions Iran's shadow fleet, arms networks​

US Treasury sanctions over 30 entities in Iran's shadow oil fleet and weapons procurement networks, targeting ballistic missile programs.

"Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies. - Scott Bessent"

Washington, Feb 25

The US has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran's oil trade and weapons programmes.​

The Treasury Department on Wednesday said the action targets Iran's so-called shadow fleet and networks supplying ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programmes.​

"Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said.​

"Under President Trump's strong leadership, Treasury will continue to put maximum pressure on Iran to target the regime's weapons capabilities and support for terrorism, which it has prioritized over the lives of the Iranian people," he added.​

Treasury said 12 vessels and their owners or operators were sanctioned. The ships allegedly transported hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.​

Some vessels carried liquified petroleum gas to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Others shipped high-sulphur fuel oil, condensate, naphtha, and grey ammonia to East Asia and other regions.​

The Panama-flagged HOOT transported Iranian LPG to Bangladesh in 2025. The Vanuatu-flagged LUMA carried LPG to end users in Bangladesh and Pakistan.​

Other vessels named include OCEAN KOI, NORTH STAR, FELICITA, NIBA, REMIZ, DANUTA I, ALAA, and GAS FATE. Treasury said it moved millions of barrels of Iranian oil and related products over the past few years.​

Several companies based in Panama, the Marshall Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Liberia, and Iran were also designated. Treasury said they operated in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors.​

Treasury said the action is part of its campaign of "maximum economic pressure" on Iran. In 2025, OFAC sanctioned more than 875 persons, vessels, and aircraft under this campaign.​

The department also targeted nine individuals and entities in Iran, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. They were accused of helping Iran procure chemicals and machinery for missile and UAV programmes.​

Türkiye-based firms were said to have acted as financial intermediaries for an Iran-based company that produces engines for Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones.​

Two companies were designated to support Marco Klinge. He was previously sanctioned for helping procure sodium perchlorate for Iran's Parchin Chemical Industries.​

Four Iran-based individuals linked to Qods Aviation Industries were also designated. Treasury said the company designs and manufactures Mohajer-series UAVs.​

All property of the designated persons in the United States is blocked. US persons are generally barred from dealing with them unless authorised to do so.

​Treasury warned that foreign financial institutions could face secondary sanctions if they conduct significant transactions for the designated persons.​

The United States has long used sanctions to pressure Iran over its oil exports, missile activities, and nuclear commitments. ​

The latest action follows the reimposition of UN sanctions in September 2025 over Iran's failure to fulfill its nuclear obligations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Interesting to see Bangladesh and Pakistan mentioned as destinations. Raises questions about energy security in our neighborhood. India needs to be extra vigilant about such shadow networks operating close to our borders.
A
Aman W
While I support curbing Iran's missile programs, I hope this doesn't lead to a spike in global oil prices again. Our economy is just recovering, and we can't afford another fuel price shock. 🛢️
S
Sarah B
The scale of this "shadow fleet" is staggering. It shows how determined some regimes are to bypass international norms. Strong enforcement is needed, but the US should also ensure its actions don't disproportionately hurt ordinary citizens in Iran.
V
Vikram M
The mention of Shahed drones is concerning. These are the same models used in conflicts that threaten global trade routes. India must strengthen its own defense procurement channels to ensure no dual-use tech is diverted.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the US approach feels one-sided. Yes, Iran's actions are problematic, but "maximum pressure" hasn't worked for decades. Maybe it's time for more diplomacy? The region, including India, needs stability, not perpetual escalation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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