US imposes sanctions targeting 17 vessels of Iran’s ‘shadow fleet’

The United States has imposed sanctions on Thursday, targeting 17 vessels of Iran's "shadow fleet" of tankers. These vessels, used to transport oil and petroleum products to foreign markets, are the latest step in the US's pressure campaign against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the sanctions aim to deprive Iran of the funds needed to "wage war in the region."

The US Treasury Department identified the companies that own these vessels, accusing them of operating within Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. This move effectively neutralizes the majority of Iran's remaining shadow fleet network, according to the Treasury. The action comes after a series of US-Israel strikes on Iran since late February, which resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader and triggered Tehran's retaliatory actions.

The sanctions were announced as President Donald Trump ruled out further military attacks on Iran before the US midterm elections on November 3, stating that Washington was engaged in productive discussions with Tehran.