The ships don’t sail under Iranian flags, but they carry its oil. And now, the United States is going after them.
On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled new sanctions aimed at what it called Iran’s “shadow fleet” — a web of vessels operating in disguise, helping Tehran move oil in defiance of global restrictions. At the center of it is Jugwinder Singh Brar, a UAE-based Indian national who controls nearly 30 ships through companies registered in the United Arab Emirates and India.
According to the Treasury, these ships have been conducting high-risk transfers at sea, shifting Iranian petroleum in the waters off Iraq, Iran, the UAE, and the Gulf of Oman. The department says Brar’s fleet has directly supported Iran’s national oil company and its military.
“The Iranian regime relies on its network of unscrupulous shippers and brokers like Brar and his companies,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, “to enable its oil sales and finance its destabilizing activities.”
The four newly sanctioned companies are accused of owning and operating the vessels, with U.S. officials warning that these kinds of operations allow Iran to quietly sidestep sanctions and sustain its revenue streams.
This move comes as part of a broader American effort to apply pressure on Iran’s oil exports, especially as diplomacy over its nuclear programme shows little sign of progress.
Washington insists the pressure will continue, especially on actors who profit from the trade.
“The United States remains focused on disrupting all elements of Iran’s oil exports,” Bessent said, “particularly those who seek to profit from this trade.”
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
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