US Imposes Sanctions on Iran, Entities Linked to Yemeni Houthis

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, these measures are aimed at disrupting Iran’s trade in oil and petrochemicals, which generates billions of dollars annually to fund its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and support proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

The sanctions specifically target three vessels involved in the illicit trade of Iranian oil and petrochemical products.

These include the crude oil tanker MS Enola, flagged in Djibouti and owned by Journey Investment; the tanker MS Angia, flagged in San Marino; and the tanker MS Millennia, flagged in Panama.

The latter two are operated by Rose Shipping Ltd., a company registered in Liberia and Greece.

Bradley Smith, acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that the US remains committed to cutting off the revenue streams funding Iran’s destabilizing activities.

He highlighted the reliance of Iran on a “shadow network of ships, companies, and intermediaries” to sustain these operations.

As part of the sanctions, all US-based properties and assets belonging to the targeted entities have been frozen.

Additionally, US individuals or companies found engaging with these entities may face penalties, including fines or further legal action.