The United States has announced new sanctions targeting a Chinese teapot refinery for purchasing millions of barrels of Iranian oil, along with additional restrictions on entities and vessels involved in Iran’s shadow fleet. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, restrict its ballistic missile program, and cut off financial support for terrorist groups by eliminating its oil exports, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Friday.
“For the first time, the United States is sanctioning a so-called teapot refinery in China for purchasing millions of barrels of oil worth approximately half a billion dollars. We are also sanctioning several additional entities and vessels in Iran’s shadow fleet for shipping millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China,” Bruce announced.
She further emphasized that Iran’s actions pose a security threat to the US, and the sanctions are intended to limit Iran’s nuclear program and cut off its oil revenues.
“Iran’s behavior across the globe threatens US national security interests. The maximum pressure campaign is designed to drive Iran’s oil exports, which it uses to fund its destabilizing activities, to zero. This includes oil exports to China,” she added.
The US has maintained restrictions on trade with Iran since 1979, following the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran. The Department of State’s Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation enforces several sanctions programs that limit access to the US for companies engaged in commercial activities with Iran.
Additionally, the State Department announced sanctions against a crude oil and petroleum products storage terminal in the port of Huizhou, China, for handling Iranian-origin crude oil aboard a blocked tanker.
“Crude oil and petroleum product terminals in China serve as gateways for Iranian petroleum to enter the Chinese market. As China is the largest importer of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, these terminals play a critical role in supporting Iran’s efforts to maintain revenue from its energy exports and fund its destabilizing activities,” the statement said.
The latest sanctions reflect Washington’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran’s energy sector and limit its economic resources.
