15.07.2026 16:50
The US increased pressure on Iran over attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, adding more than 50 individuals, entities, and vessels to a sanctions list to block oil exports.
The US announced new sanctions to block Iran's oil exports as part of a policy to increase pressure on Iran over attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
OVER 50 INDIVIDUALS, ENTITIES, AND VESSELS LISTED
In a written statement by US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, it was stated that the US aims to dismantle the "illicit maritime shipping and sanctions evasion network" of Mohammad Hossein Shamkani, who is on the US sanctions list. In this context, it was reported that more than 50 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Shamkani were added to the sanctions list.
ALLEGATION OF "SHELL COMPANIES" FROM THE US
The statement noted that the network consists of Iranian and foreign nationals and companies, using various methods to evade sanctions. It was also alleged that the network utilized overseas shell companies to carry out trade in sanctioned goods and funnel the proceeds from this trade back into the system.
The US State Department emphasized that the Washington administration will continue to use all available tools to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. The statement noted that the sanctions are being implemented under Executive Order 13902, which authorizes the US Treasury Department, in coordination with the State Department, to impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran's economy.