The US sanctioned eight ships flying the flags of Palau, Panama and Comoros: Sea Bird, Avon, Al Diab 2, Cesaria, Longevity 7, Eastern Hero, Aqua Spirit, Chiron 5 and Keel. At the same time, eight companies owning them, registered in the United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Oman and the Marshall Islands, were included on the list. These ships were allegedly involved in transporting Iranian crude oil.
“This is an escalation of pressure on the Iranian regime for the killing of peaceful protesters,” the statement reads.
What sanctions did the US Treasury impose?
How many ships have been sanctioned?
What is Iran's 'shadow fleet'?
Who assessed the sanctions as crucial for Iran?
US Treasury Secretary: sanctions target a key element
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “the Iranian regime is engaging in a ritual of economic self-immolation” and the process has been accelerated by “President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign.” “Tehran's decision to support terrorists at the expense of its own people has caused a sharp decline in the value of Iran's currency and living conditions,” he said.
— Today's sanctions target a key element of how Iran raises funds to repress its own people. The U.S. Treasury will continue to track the tens of millions of dollars the regime has stolen and is desperately trying to transfer to banks outside Iran, the U.S. official added.
Donald Trump on threats against Iran. “We have a fleet heading that way.”
Earlier, Donald Trump partially withdrew threats regarding military attacks on Iran. The US president said on Thursday that as a result of his announcement, the regime in Tehran canceled the planned executions of over 800 protesters. However, the leader did not rule out taking military action, adding that an “armada” of ships was heading towards Iran.
“We've got plenty of ships heading that way, just in case. I'd rather nothing happened, but we're watching them very closely. We have a fleet heading that way and we may not have to use it, the US president told reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos.
