Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd, an independent refinery in China, for purchasing over a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil. This move marks a significant step in the U.S. efforts to curb Iran's oil exports.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the President is committed to driving Iran's illicit oil exports, including those to China, to zero. The sanctions are part of broader efforts to enforce the Trump Administration's maximum pressure campaign on Iran.
The United States is also targeting several companies and vessels involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China, as part of Iran's so-called 'shadow' fleet. This marks the second action against a China-based independent refinery since the issuance of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 by President Trump on February 4, 2025.
The sanctions are to be fully enforced, emphasizing the U.S. administration's dedication to reducing Iran's oil revenue and limiting its global oil trade activities.