The United States has introduced a new set of sanctions specifically targeting Iran’s shadow fleet. These sanctions are aimed at the ships, managers, and traders that are involved in transporting Iranian oil and petrochemical products in violation of international laws.
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of State announced it has designated 14 vessels and 15 entities connected to the transportation of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals. This marks one of the most extensive actions taken by the U.S. against Iran’s maritime activities in recent months.
These sanctions are enforced under Executive Order 13846 and aim to cut off the revenue that the U.S. claims Iran uses to finance terrorism and dangerous activities in the region.
The State Department stated, “Time and time again, the Iranian government has prioritized its destabilizing behavior over the safety and security of its own citizens.” They accused Tehran of using illegal oil profits to support oppression at home and proxy forces abroad.
According to U.S. officials, the sanctioned vessels, registered in various countries, have carried millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil while participating in shady operations and deceptive shipping practices that threaten maritime safety and honest trade.
One of the entities sanctioned is Hong Kong’s ALL WIN SHIPPING MANAGEMENT LIMITED, which managed the crude tanker VICSCENE that transported Iranian oil from March to April 2025.
Another sanctioned entity, UAE-based MANARAT ALKHALEEJ MARINE SERVICES FZE, managed two tankers—OCEAN GUARDIAN and AL SAFA—that completed over 30 shipments originating from Iran in 2025.
Chinese ship manager QINGDAO OCEAN KIMO SHIP MANAGEMENT CO. LTD was targeted for operating the Barbados-flagged tanker BENLAI, while India-based ELEVATE MARINE MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED and its director, Akash Anant Shinde, were sanctioned for managing the tanker BENEDICT, which carried Iranian petroleum products on several voyages late last year.
The sanctions also extended to traders involved in Iranian petrochemical products.
Turkish company STAREX DIS TICARET KIMYA ANONIM SIRKETI was accused of importing over $8 million worth of Iranian petrochemicals in 2024. Another Turkish company, AMON KIMYA, along with its manager Mehmet Ozsuren, was sanctioned for importing Iranian ammonia during the same time period.
The State Department noted, “Similar to Iran’s crude oil trade, petroleum and petrochemical product sales provide vital revenue to the Iranian regime.”
With these designations, all properties and interests in the U.S. belonging to the sanctioned entities are now blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
This action comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a worsening security situation in the region. Recent incidents of Iranian harassment of U.S.-flagged vessels highlight the risks facing commercial shipping in these waters.
U.S. officials emphasized that the goal of the sanctions is to encourage change in behavior, rather than simply punish, stating that those sanctioned can request to be removed from the list.
This move coincides with the resumption of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman in Muscat. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi mentioned that the discussions had a “good start” but insisted that Iran would only focus on its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Washington seeks a wider agreement that includes missile and regional activities, a point reiterated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the tension between diplomatic efforts and ongoing pressures from sanctions.
The latest sanctions demonstrate Washington's commitment to maintaining pressure on Iran's maritime smuggling operations, which continue to use shell companies, flag-of-convenience vessels, and unclear management structures to avoid enforcement.