The Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil trading networks, including a crude oil storage terminal in China linked to an independent refinery, just days ahead of planned talks between the U.S. and Iran.
The sanctions specifically targeted Guangsha Zhoushan Energy Group Co Ltd, which operates a crude oil and petroleum products terminal located on Huangzeshan Island in Zhejiang Province, China. The U.S. State Department stated that the terminal knowingly engaged with oil from Iran and is connected to an independent refinery via the Huangzeshan-Yushan Under Sea Oil Pipeline.
The State Department emphasized that the terminal, though not a major player in Iranian oil, had acquired Iranian crude at least nine times between 2021 and 2025, including shipments from U.S. sanctioned vessels. The terminal has imported approximately 13 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, according to the department.
Although tanker tracking companies Vortexa and Kpler, along with trade sources, reported that the refinery has refrained from buying Iranian oil recently, the U.S. maintains that the refinery and its associated terminal play a significant role in the trade and processing of Iranian crude.
The U.S. sanctions package also included designations against UAE-based shipping magnate Jugwinder Singh Brar and several associated entities involved in high-risk ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil in the Gulf region. The sanctions block the U.S. assets of the designated individuals and entities, preventing Americans from engaging in business with them.
China's response to U.S. sanctions has been consistently critical. In response to a similar sanction last month on a Chinese refinery, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington reiterated Beijing's opposition to "illegal and unjustifiable unilateral sanctions."
The latest sanctions follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at driving Iran’s oil exports to zero, a key component of his strategy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes.
While these sanctions will likely have an impact on the entities directly involved, sanctions expert Jeremy Paner pointed out that targeting Chinese banks or insurance groups would be more effective in pressuring Iran's oil trade. However, the U.S. appears to be maintaining a broader strategy to disrupt Iran's oil exports while keeping diplomatic channels open ahead of negotiations.
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President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
NATO leaders will meet in Ankara next week for a high-stakes summit focused on defence spending, support for Ukraine and relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, as European allies seek to present a united front despite transatlantic tensions.
Canada is hoping to unveil around 10 founding member countries for a proposed global defence bank at next week's NATO summit in Türkiye, as Ottawa pushes forward with an initiative aimed at strengthening allied defence capabilities through cheaper and more accessible financing.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in security, with a bilateral meeting planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Paris seeks closer coordination with key allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
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