Washington, July 31 (V7N) – The United States has announced sweeping new economic sanctions against Iran, marking the most extensive measures taken since 2018. This latest round of sanctions targets more than 100 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran’s shipping and oil export operations.

The U.S. Treasury Department unveiled the sanctions on Wednesday, placing restrictions on over 50 vessels — primarily oil tankers and cargo ships — which are allegedly part of a network used by Iran and Russia to export oil and petroleum products.

According to officials, a significant portion of these operations is believed to be controlled by the son of Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Shamkhani family is accused of dominating a major share of Iran’s crude oil export business.

Despite international sanctions, Iran has continued to export crude, with China identified as its largest customer, according to official data.

This latest move by Washington underscores heightened tensions and a renewed effort to curb Tehran’s oil revenue, which the U.S. claims is being used to fund destabilizing activities across the Middle East.

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