The United States has taken significant measures against a network of companies allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of Iranian oil to Asian buyers. These sanctions, announced by the State and Treasury Departments, affect over a dozen firms, including India-based Gabbaro Ship Services.
This action follows Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1, described by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan as a catastrophic event targeting Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city, with potential civilian casualties in the hundreds or thousands.
The US believes these sanctions will disrupt Iran’s funding sources for destabilizing activities, including its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and support for regional terrorism. The Treasury Department has specifically targeted Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors to restrict the regime’s access to critical energy revenue.
The US has issued a clear warning: Iran will face severe repercussions for its actions. The recent sanctions include targeting a “Ghost Fleet” involved in transporting Iranian oil, underscoring this commitment.
The Treasury has highlighted that Iran’s oil exports depend on a network of illicit shipping facilitators operating in various jurisdictions. These entities employ deception to load and ship Iranian oil to buyers in Asia.
Among the firms sanctioned is Max Maritime Solutions FZE, based in the UAE, accused of conducting ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil using vessels linked to the US-designated National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), which transports oil for the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to Chinese refineries.
Other sanctioned companies include Strong Roots Provider NV from Suriname, Glazing Future Management NV, Engen Management NV, Gabbaro Ship Services Pvt Ltd from India, Malaysia’s Alya Marine Sendirian Berhad, and Hong Kong’s Celia Armas Ltd.
Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen emphasized the seriousness of these sanctions, which aim to curtail Iranian efforts to channel energy revenues into funding dangerous global activities. This includes the advancement of Iran’s nuclear program, the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and support for regional terrorist groups.
The US government remains committed to taking further steps to hold Iran accountable, reaffirming its dedication to countering the country’s destabilizing actions.
