US sanctions entities evading curbs on Iranian oil sales

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has announced slapping fresh sanctions on several entities involved in violating curbs on Iranian oil and petrochemicals.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement, announced the new sanctions amid botched attempts at reviving the Iran nuclear agreement.

In a separate statement cited by CNN, the Treasury Department said the Biden administration remained concerned about Iranian policies, including its nuclear programme.

The sanctions were tied to the Islamic republic’s support for the Russian war against Ukraine with drones and military training and destabilizing activities across the region.

Blinken said: “We will continue to accelerate our enforcement of sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sales under authorities that would be removed under the JCPOA.”

The sanctions hit China-based Zhonggu Storage and Transportation Co. Ltd that operates a commercial crude oil storage facility for Iranian petroleum and WS Shipping Co. Ltd., the ship manager for a vessel that has transported Iranian petroleum products.

According to CNN, the Treasury Department also sanctioned other entities based in Hong Kong, Iran, India and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions will be reversed if Iran’s returns to JCPOA compliance.

PAN Monitor/mud