Treasury Sanctions Nine Tankers Over Iranian Oil Funding Crackdown
Treasury blocks nine ships and owners accused of moving hundreds of millions in Iranian oil amid Iran's Jan. 8 internet shutdown.
Overview
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned nine tankers and their owners on Friday for transporting hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian oil, the department said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures target a "shadow fleet" used to generate funds to repress protesters and to evade international sanctions.
President Donald Trump said aboard Air Force One that an American aircraft carrier group was moving toward the Middle East "just in case" he wants to take action against Iran, officials said.
Activists said the death toll from Iran's nationwide protest crackdown had risen to at least 5,032 amid the country's internet blackout that began on Jan. 8.
U.S. officials said the sanctions are part of an escalating campaign that could include additional maritime and economic measures if Tehran continues to repress protesters, records show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame U.S. sanctions as a justified, rights‑based response by foregrounding Treasury language about Iran’s internet "shutdown" and a "shadow fleet," highlighting activists' high death toll figures and Trump's forceful rhetoric, while omitting Iranian government responses. Editorial choices—wording, source emphasis, and quote selection—create a narrative legitimizing U.S. action.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The sanctions prevent the targeted tankers, owners, and related firms from doing business with Americans or accessing U.S. financial systems and accounts.
The sanctions target vessels transporting hundreds of millions in Iranian oil to fund repression of protesters during Iran's internet shutdown starting January 8 amid nationwide protests.
The shadow fleet is a network of older tankers flagged in jurisdictions like Palau and Panama, used by Iran to evade international sanctions and transport oil and petroleum products to markets in Asia.
Sanctioned entities include nine vessels such as Sea Bird, Avon Al Di, Ces, Long 7 Hero, Spirit Iron, and Keel, and companies like Horizon Harvest Shipping LLC, Aayat Ship Management Private Limited, Black Stone Oil and Gas, and Galeran Service Corp.
Human rights activists report the death toll from Iran's nationwide protest crackdown has risen to at least 5,032 amid the internet blackout.
History
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