US Sanctions a Chinese Independent Refinery for Importing Iranian Oil

The US government announced a new round of sanctions on Iran's oil exports on Wednesday, including a major action targeting a small "teapot" refinery in China. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department sanctioned a Chinese independent refinery [name omitted - Ed.] which was "accused" of purchasing more than $1 billion worth of Iranian crude oil between 2020 and 2023.

"Teapot" refineries are a collective term used internationally for medium and small-sized private refineries in China. Additionally, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on multiple companies and vessels linked to Iran's "shadow fleet."

In a statement released on the same day, the Treasury Department pointed out that these sanctions were aimed at further cracking down on China's import of Iranian oil.

This is the sixth round of sanctions since President Trump restarted his "maximum pressure" policy against Iran, with the goal of reducing Iran's oil exports to zero.

Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasized that any refinery, company, or intermediary choosing to purchase Iranian oil or assist in Iran's oil trade would face serious risks. He stated in the declaration: "The United States is committed to blocking all entities providing support to Iran's oil supply chain ... "

The US Treasury also updated its guidance to shipping and maritime stakeholders, warning them about behaviors that evade Iran's oil sanctions, especially the vast shadow fleet Iran relies on to conceal oil transportation.

Spokesperson Bruce from the State Department also said that all sanctions will be fully enforced under the maximum pressure campaign of the Trump administration.

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829606042387467/

Disclaimer: This article only represents the views of the author.