The United States has announced fresh sanctions targeting an international oil smuggling network accused of funneling billions of dollars to Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS). According to a statement released by Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the network is responsible for shipping millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil—primarily to China—on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars (Sepehr Energy), a front company for Iran’s military.

Revenue generated from these illicit oil sales is said to support a range of destabilizing activities by the Iranian regime, including the development of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and nuclear proliferation. More critically, it fuels Iran’s support for terrorist groups and violent proxies, including the Houthis, who have recently intensified attacks in the Red Sea targeting international shipping routes, the U.S. Navy, and Israel.

The action is part of the broader enforcement of National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, a policy tool employed by the U.S. government to exert maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and restrict its access to international financial systems.

“As long as Iran devotes its illicit revenues to funding attacks on the United States and our allies, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing other destabilizing actions,” said Bruce, “we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable.”

This latest move signals Washington’s continued resolve to curb Tehran’s influence in the Middle East and beyond, particularly as global tensions rise over maritime security and regional stability.

The sanctions are expected to impact the global oil supply chain and may trigger diplomatic reactions, especially from countries and corporations entangled in the Iranian oil trade.

Etamagazine will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new developments unfold.