US Imposes Sanctions on Vast Shipping Network Tied to Iranian Regime

The United States has announced sweeping sanctions targeting a shipping empire operated by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani—a top political advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The move forms part of Washington’s continued effort to intensify economic pressure on Tehran over its oil trade, nuclear ambitions, and support for militant groups.

According to the US Treasury Department, the network includes a vast fleet of over 50 tankers and container ships used to transport Iranian and Russian crude oil and petroleum products—primarily to Chinese markets—generating profits estimated in the tens of billions of dollars.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated:

“The Shamkhani family’s shipping empire highlights how the Iranian regime elites leverage their positions to accrue massive wealth and fund the regime’s dangerous behaviour.”

Scope of Sanctions

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) detailed that the sanctions include companies and front firms spanning multiple jurisdictions including Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and others.

The US State Department separately announced it would sanction 20 entities and 10 vessels for involvement in the Iranian petroleum trade, including firms in India, Indonesia, Turkey, and the UAE.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce commented:

“These sanctions are designed to disrupt the Iranian regime’s ability to fund its destabilising activities, including its nuclear programme, support for terrorist groups, and oppression of its own people.”

The latest sanctions follow US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including enrichment sites at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, more than a month ago.

Bruce reiterated the administration’s commitment to pressuring Iran until it agrees to:

• Abandon all aspirations for a nuclear weapon
• Accept a deal that promotes regional peace and stability

She added:

“As President Trump has said, any country or person who chooses to purchase Iranian oil or petrochemicals exposes themselves to the risk of US sanctions and will not be allowed to conduct business with the United States.”

This latest sanctions package marks the most extensive effort of its kind since the Trump administration’s original “maximum pressure” campaign began.