US imposes new sanctions on Iranian oil networks, 17 ships — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals, networks, and 17 vessels linked to the transportation of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals, in a move aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Tehran. According to Reuters, the US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, October 8, as part of a programme known as “Operation Economic Fury.” The initiative aims to prevent Iran from generating revenue to finance its war with the United States, develop missiles, conduct cyberattacks, and support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A US Treasury official told reporters that the latest measures represent the most significant blow to Iran’s remaining infrastructure for illicit oil transportation, targeting a substantial portion of the country’s so-called “shadow fleet.” The official added that the Treasury Department was seeking to cut off what it described as the Iranian government’s last major source of illicit revenue and increase international pressure on Tehran. Reuters reported that the sanctions followed the US decision to reinstate its blockade of Iranian ports on July 14, after an understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war collapsed. According to a US Treasury official, Iran currently has approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil aboard vessels located outside the blockade zone, near Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Another Treasury official said that Iran…