US Sanctions Four Chinese Firms Over Iranian Oil

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned four Chinese entities, including Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, a 'teapot' refinery, and three port terminal operators in Shandong Province, for purchasing and facilitating the delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil. These actions are part of the Trump administration's ongoing maximum pressure campaign to curb Iran's revenue generation and nuclear ambitions. The sanctions also target vessels, their owners, and captains involved in transporting Iranian oil via a 'shadow fleet' that conceals the shipments’ origins. Previous sanctions have caused some Chinese refiners to halt Iranian oil purchases, and the latest measures aim to further isolate Iran economically and deter sanctions evasion. Despite these steps, the administration has indicated willingness to negotiate on Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. emphasizes holding both Iran and its international partners accountable for sanctions evasion.