U.S. State Department sanctions 15 entities, 2 people, and 14 vessels over illicit Iranian oil trade

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 vessels tied to an illicit network moving Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemicals. The State Department said proceeds from the illicit trade fund Iran’s destabilizing activities and internal repression, and that the designations are made under Executive Order 13846 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 2. The announcement points to related Department of State and Treasury materials for details and describes the action as part of a broader maximum pressure campaign.