The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on nine Iranian entities it accused of playing a critical role in the production of petrochemicals and petroleum.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the latest sanctions were part of “continued efforts to enforce US sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade and disrupt Iran’s efforts to circumvent sanctions.”
The Department of the Treasury said in a statement that it is designating six Iran-based companies involved in the sale and distribution of petrochemicals.
Among the Iranian companies targeted were petrochemical producer Amir Kabir Petrochemical Co. (AKPC), its subsidiary Simorgh Petrochemical Co. and four subsidiaries of previously sanctioned Marun Petrochemical Co.
Among the companies sanctioned are Laleh Petrochemical Company, Marun Tadbir Tina Company, Marun Sepehr Ofogh Company, and Marun Supplemental Industries Company, owned by Marun Petrochemical Company, which was previously designated for providing material support to Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd.
The Treasury Department is also designating two Singapore-based entities, Asia Fuel PTE. Ltd. and Unicious Energy PTE. Ltd., which have facilitated Triliance’s sale of petroleum products to customers in East Asia.
The Treasury Department is designating Malaysia-based Sense Shipping and Trading SDN. BHD., a front company that has facilitated the shipment of tens of thousands of metric tons of petrochemicals for Triliance.
“Today’s action demonstrates our continued efforts to enforce US sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade and disrupt Iran’s efforts to circumvent sanctions," the statement stressed.
"The United States remains focused on targeting Tehran’s sources of illicit revenue, and will continue to enforce its sanctions against those who wittingly facilitate this trade," Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in the statement.
