U.S. Department of State

04/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/24/2026 13:43

U.S. Sanctions Intensify Pressure on Iran’s Oil Trade Network in China

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U.S. Sanctions Intensify Pressure on Iran's Oil Trade Network in China

Press Statement

Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Department Spokesperson

April 24, 2026

The United States is taking decisive action to disrupt Iran's illicit oil trade, the Iranian regime's primary revenue streams that fund its terrorism and destabilization of the region.

The Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions today on a major, independent Chinese refinery and nearly 40 other targets - vessels and their respective owners or managers - that serve as critical lifelines for Iran's oil exports. This action cuts revenue streams that fund the regime's destabilizing activities across the Middle East. The Administration's maximum pressure campaign will hold Tehran accountable for its regional aggression and threats to American interests.

These measures underscore the U.S. commitment to disrupting Iran's ability to fund terrorism, support proxy forces, and threaten regional stability. The Administration remains focused on ensuring the Iranian regime cannot use illicit oil revenues to advance its malign agenda while the Iranian people continue to suffer from economic mismanagement and repression.

The United States will intensify economic pressure on Iran and the international network that sustains its illicit energy trade as a part of Economic Fury.

Today's action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. These actions further the President's National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), which directs the imposition of maximum pressure against Iran. For more information on today's action, please see the Department of the Treasury's press release Press Release.

U.S. Department of State published this content on April 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 24, 2026 at 19:44 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]