Washington has targeted eight ships ferrying Iranian oil and petroleum products with fresh sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move on Thursday.
Among the vessels hit are the Marshall Islands-registered tanker Flora and the Comoros-flagged Hauncayo. Panama's Ill Gap also made the list.
Bessent noted in a statement that Iran cannot be allowed to boost oil revenues for military expansion. "We will not allow the Iranian government to increase its oil revenue for the purpose of reconstituting its armed forces and military capabilities," he said.
Earlier actions had already targeted Iranian airlines and Tehran's self-proclaimed Persian Gulf Strait Authority. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned of tougher consequences ahead.
According to Pigott, the sanctions will slash billions in revenue flowing to the IRGC and allied militias. He cautioned that any business dealing in Iranian crude runs severe risk of American penalties.
