The United States has imposed sweeping economic sanctions against a Chinese oil refining company in response to its involvement in the illegal purchase of Iranian oil
This decision marks another step in Washington’s efforts to curb Tehran’s financial flows, as Iran seeks to generate revenue from oil sales despite stringent international restrictions. According to information circulated by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, the Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd. plant in China has been sanctioned. This small but strategically important enterprise is under U.S. scrutiny due to its role in purchasing Iranian oil exceeding one billion dollars. The department emphasized that this activity violates sanctions imposed on Tehran, which prohibit any operations involving Iranian oil. In an official statement, representatives explained that U.S. President Donald Trump intends to shut down Iran’s illegal oil exports, particularly to China, which is one of Tehran’s main trading partners in this sector. As part of the new measures, the U.S. is also imposing sanctions on several companies and vessels involved in the so-called "shadow fleet" of Iran — a scheme whereby Iranian ships transfer oil beyond sanctioned zones, disguising their identities and routes. “Since Iran is seeking to obtain financial resources to support its destabilizing activities in the region and beyond, America firmly states its readiness to hold accountable both Tehran itself and all its partners assisting in sanctions evasion,” the official State Department statement reads. It should be noted that on March 13, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a new package of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, particularly focusing on companies and vessels involved in complex schemes to transport Iranian oil. This forms part of a systematic campaign to combat Iran’s "shadow fleet" and to reduce Tehran’s ability to fund its programs and destabilizing actions. At the same time, according to reports from international media, Tehran has intensified efforts to soften sanctions through current nuclear negotiations with the United States. Iranian representatives insist on lifting restrictions, arguing that they should be removed in exchange for promises to limit their nuclear programs. This development occurs amidst tense international relations and global efforts to impose sanctions on Iran, aiming to push the country to abandon illegal oil export schemes and return to diplomatic negotiations. Washington emphasizes that any attempts to evade sanctions will be met with strict and uncompromising penalties, as the U.S. prioritizes regional stability and considers it a key goal of its foreign policy.