US Sanctions 17 Vessels in Iranian Shadow Fleet

The US Treasury has sanctioned 17 vessels and their owners involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, marking a significant step in curbing the country's illicit oil exports. These aging tankers, which operate outside the reach of US naval blockades, have been identified as part of Iran's so-called 'shadow fleet.' The action is expected to disrupt Tehran's ability to generate revenue from oil sales, which has been a key source of funding for its regional activities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the move is designed to isolate Iran economically and deprive it of the funds needed to sustain its military operations. The sanctions include specific targeting of vessels that have transported millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2025. Among the sanctioned entities are Starway, Gas Lucky, and Shenzhen, which have been linked to the movement of large quantities of Iranian crude and petroleum products. The move comes as Iran continues to face mounting economic pressure, with the US claiming that Iranian oil exports have effectively been cut to zero. However, Iran has shown resilience, with reports of increased attacks on foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which has contributed to a rise in global oil prices.