The Trump administration is targeting Iran’s oil sales by sanctioning a vast shipping empire that is run by the son of a top political adviser to the country’s Supreme Leader, ramping up pressure on Iran following the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites last month.
“Today, Treasury is sanctioning more than 115 individuals, entities and vessels that make up a vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammed (Hossein) Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, a top political advisor to the Supreme Leader,” Deputy Secretary of Treasury Michael Faulkender said.
“Hossein Shamkhani’s network, which controls a significant portion of Iran’s crude oil exports, has touch points around the world. It’s a clear example of Iran’s flagrant abuse of the international financial system, helping both the regime and Hossein Shamkhani himself generate billions of dollars.”
US officials said the Hossein network enables global sales of Iranian and Russian crude oil most often sold to China and said the penalties are the most significant sanctions imposed on Iran in recent years.
The move comes as President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has privately told people that pursuing Iran nuclear deal talks are no longer a short-term priority for the administration following the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, three sources familiar with the discussions said.
