US Sanctions 12 Individuals and Entities Over Iranian Oil Sales

The US Treasury Department announced Monday that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has targeted the individuals and companies for their alleged role in selling and shipping Iranian oil to China on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Washington accused the IRGC of using front companies to mask its involvement in oil exports and transfer the proceeds to Iran. The Treasury also claimed that revenues from Iranian oil are used to bolster military capabilities, support resistance groups, and fund security institutions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that America’s campaign of economic pressure will persist to deprive Iran of financial resources tied to its military and nuclear programs.

The sanctions come amid ongoing US rhetoric about diplomacy and potential agreements with Tehran—a stance analysts see as contradictory to the administration’s maximum pressure policy. Observers warn that pursuing sanctions alongside negotiations has deepened mistrust, undermining prospects for meaningful dialogue.

Experts argue that while the US promotes diplomacy publicly, it continues to intensify economic pressure to achieve through negotiations what it failed to secure through military action. Many believe this dual-track approach is unlikely to ease tensions and may further complicate efforts for a genuine understanding between the two sides.

The US, together with Israel, launched an aggressive attack on Iran on February 28, reportedly assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several top commanders on the first day of the conflict.