US slaps new sanctions on Iran following attacks on Israel
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s energy sector on Friday, responding to Tehran’s October 1 missile attack on Israel, which involved approximately 180 missiles.
Iran claimed the strike was retaliation for Israel’s recent strikes against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, which has been launching rockets into Israel since the Gaza conflict began.
The new sanctions target Iran’s “ghost fleet” of ships and associated companies across the UAE, Liberia, Hong Kong, and other jurisdictions, accused of concealing and transporting Iranian oil for sale to Asian buyers.
Also, the US State Department said it has designated a network of companies in Suriname, India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for arranging the sale and transport of Iranian petroleum products.
Current US law authorizes sanctions against Iran’s energy sector and foreign firms involved in buying, selling, and transporting Iranian oil. However, energy sanctions can be sensitive, as restricting supplies may drive up global commodity prices.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated, new sanctions “will help further deny Iran financial resources used to support its missile programs and provide support for terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and partners.”
The penalties aim to block access to the US financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging with targeted entities.
The long-standing shadow war between Israel and Iran has rarely involved direct conflict, but escalating attacks between Israel and Iran’s Arab allies risk pushing the Middle East toward regional war.
