Overview

• The U.S. sanctioned Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd, a Chinese teapot refinery, for purchasing over $1 billion in Iranian crude oil.
• Additional sanctions were imposed on companies and vessels tied to Iran's shadow fleet, which facilitates oil shipments to China.
• This marks the sixth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports since February 2025 under Trump's maximum pressure campaign.
• The sanctions aim to disrupt Tehran's oil revenues used to fund nuclear and missile programs, as well as destabilizing regional activities.
• These actions coincide with renewed nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with recent talks in Oman and upcoming discussions in Rome.