The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designation of 14 vessels and six trading firms involved in transporting Iranian crude oil.
The entities, based in the UAE and Hong Kong, are accused of concealing the origin of shipments, circumventing international sanctions.
This action marks a significant escalation in efforts to curtail Iran’s oil exports, which have been a focal point of geopolitical tensions in recent months.
The sanctions are likely to have a direct impact on the flow of Iranian crude to global markets, particularly in Asia, where demand for discounted oil has been a key driver for Iran’s exports.
The move follows a similar action in early 2026, when OFAC targeted 12 tankers involved in Russian oil shipments in violation of price caps.
The cumulative effect of these measures is expected to tighten global crude supply chains and could lead to volatility in benchmark prices like Brent and WTI.