On Thursday, the U.S. sanctioned a China-based refinery for purchasing $500 million in Iranian oil from Houthi-linked ships. This action is part of President Trump’s strategy to apply maximum pressure on Iran, targeting both the refinery and additional vessels. The sanctions aim to disrupt Iranian finances related to terrorism and oil exports, especially emphasizing China’s role as a significant importer.

The United States has imposed sanctions on a China-based oil refinery that procured approximately $500 million worth of Iranian oil from vessels associated with the Houthi movement. This decision by the White House is part of a heightened campaign against Iran, as announced by the U.S. Treasury Department.

The refinery, located in Shandong province, is categorized as a “teapot refinery,” representing smaller, independently-operated entities in China, distinct from larger state-owned companies. The sanctions are part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy of “maximum pressure,” which includes previous sanctions targeting various Iranian individuals and organizations, notably the country’s oil minister.

The oil in question was shipped by Iran’s clandestine fleet of tankers, which includes vessels associated with the Houthis and the Iranian Ministry of Defense of Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). In conjunction with this sanctioning, the Treasury Department has targeted an additional 19 ships and companies involved in supplying the refineries.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the importance of these sanctions, stating that “Teapot refinery purchases of Iranian oil provide the primary economic lifeline for the Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror.” In parallel, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against a Chinese oil terminal, emphasizing the connection between Iranian oil revenues and global terrorism.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce asserted that “These sanctions are being imposed pursuant to President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign to drive Iran’s oil exports, including to China, to zero,” indicating that China is the largest importer of Iranian oil. She further noted that revenues from these sales fund attacks against U.S. allies and support terrorism globally.

The U.S. sanctions against the China-based refinery, along with additional measures against shipping entities, underscore a determined effort to curtail Iranian oil exports and diminish financial support for terrorism. This campaign is part of the broader strategy to apply maximum pressure on Iran and highlight the risks posed by its oil trade, particularly with China, the largest importer of Iranian oil. Overall, these actions reflect ongoing tensions and the U.S. commitment to reducing threats linked to Iran.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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