News Desk
WASHINGTON: The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s ability to fund its regional activities through illicit oil trade and financial networks linked to Hezbollah. The latest move underscores Washington’s intensified efforts to choke off Tehran’s revenue streams that fuel proxy groups and destabilize the Middle East.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, the sanctions target a sprawling smuggling operation orchestrated by Iraqi-British businessman Salim Ahmed Said. Since 2020, his network of companies has allegedly been involved in selling Iranian oil worth billions of dollars under false pretences, mislabeling shipments as originating from Iraq.
The deceptive scheme reportedly enabled Iran to evade international sanctions and funnel money to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military faction that plays a central role in Tehran’s regional strategy. Among those sanctioned is VS Tankers, a shipping company based in the United Arab Emirates owned by Said, along with several vessels believed to support IRGC operations.
“We remain committed to exposing and disrupting the networks that facilitate Iran’s oil revenue and support terrorist proxies,” he said. The statement signals a broader US strategy aimed at tightening the economic noose around Tehran in hopes of diminishing its regional influence. The sanctions come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with diplomacy stalled and fears of further escalation looming.
