A man walks past a mural depicting the American Statue of Liberty, its torch-holding arm broken, painted on the outer walls of the former U.S. embassy in Tehran, on Feb. 6, 2026. (Credit: AFP)
The United States announced Friday the imposition of sanctions against 15 entities and 14 vessels involved in Iranian oil and petrochemical trade, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
This measure is part of Washington’s efforts to “impede Iran’s oil exports” and increase economic pressure on Tehran, amid heightened tensions that have led to talks in Oman aimed at avoiding further military escalation.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department said it had targeted “14 vessels from the Iranian ‘ghost fleet,’” identified as “owned by entities involved in the transport of Iranian oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals,” as well as “15 entities that traded crude oil, petroleum products, or petrochemicals of Iranian origin,” in addition to “two associated individuals.”
Washington also indicated these actions are part of its determination to “continue taking action against the network of shippers and traders involved in transporting and acquiring Iranian crude oil,” which constitutes “the regime’s main source of revenue.”
The statement further accused the Iranian government of having “repeatedly prioritized its destabilizing behavior at the expense of its own citizens’ security,” notably citing “the mass killing of peaceful protesters” during the crackdown on the recent nationwide protest movement that shook Iran in January.
These new U.S. sanctions are in line with previous measures taken against Iran’s energy sector.
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