U.S. Sanctions Iran-Linked Tankers, Chinese Refinery

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on more than a dozen oil tankers accused of transporting Iranian crude, CBS News reported.

The US targeted Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., an independent Chinese refinery accused of purchasing large volumes of Iranian oil. (Photo: China Daily)

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the vessels are part of a so-called “shadow fleet,” used to move oil from heavily sanctioned countries.

Authorities also sanctioned 19 companies operating in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

In addition, the US targeted Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., an independent Chinese refinery accused of purchasing large volumes of Iranian oil.

The refinery was alleged to have sourced crude from tankers linked to entities associated with Iran’s armed forces.