The United States has dramatically escalated pressure on Iran’s oil industry, imposing sweeping sanctions targeting over 30 entities across eight countries. This crackdown directly implements former President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which vows to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero while preventing nuclear proliferation.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared:
We’re dismantling every link in Iran’s oil supply chain. Those enabling Tehran’s militant proxies risk catastrophic financial penalties.The sanctions specifically target:
- China-based shipping brokers
- UAE fuel procurement networks
- Indian oil traders
- Iranian energy executives
Analysts highlight the $253 billion in Iranian oil revenues since 2018 – funds allegedly financing regional militias. State Department officials emphasize ongoing efforts to block Tehran’s terrorism financing, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating: We’ll keep choking Iran’s economy until it abandons destabilizing actions.
Energy markets brace for turbulence as these measures coincide with OPEC+ production cuts. With Iranian crude exports now facing unprecedented restrictions, experts warn of potential price spikes impacting global inflation trends.