Category: Iran

  • Secretary Rubio Revokes Green Cards of Foreign Nationals with Ties to Iranian Terror Regime

    MEDIA NOTE

    OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

    APRIL 4, 2026

    Last night, the niece and grand niece of deceased Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani were arrested by federal agents following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s termination of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.  

    Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As identified by both press reporting and her own social media commentary, Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.  

    While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the “Great Satan,” and voiced her unflinching support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organization. Afshar Soleimani pushed this propaganda for Iran’s terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account. 

    In addition to the termination of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter’s LPR status, Afshar’s husband has also been barred from entering the United States.  

    Earlier this month, Secretary Rubio also terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer in the United States and are barred from future entry. 

    The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their continued partnership and collaboration in keeping Americans safe. 

    The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes. 

    You be the judge. If it was a blanket revocation, I might think differently. But it does seem like the First Amendment doesn’t apply to people on green cards – I thought it was supposed to protect offensive speech, like Nazis marching in Skokie.

  • On March 26th, 2026 Canada announced new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. The new measures entered into force on March 25th, 2026. See the press release.

    Today’s amendments add five individuals and four entities to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations for their direct or indirect participation in Iran-directed activities that undermine international peace, security or stability. See the backgrounder.

    The specific prohibitions are set out in Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    Please note that the amendments above must be reviewed in tandem with the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.

    For further information regarding Canadian Sanctions Related to Iran, please visit the Canadian Sanctions Related to Iran.

  • On Friday, OFAC issued Iran-related General License U (Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Iranian-Origin Loaded on Vessels as of March 20, 2026):

    I’m not really sure why we issued this – perhaps to provide greater supply on the world petroleum market given the situation in the Straits of Hormuz, despite the fact we’re at war with Iran? IMHO, it’s a head-scratcher….

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  • Updated Sanctions Report: Islamic Republic of Iran

    The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research WBF has adopted an amendment to Annexes 3, 12, 13 and 14 of the Regulation of 12. December 2025 on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran (SR 946.231.143.6).

    On the 9th In March 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research WBF changed the list of persons, companies and organizations sanctioned in this context. The WBF has adapted the SESAM (SECO Sanctions Management) database, which is relevant for Switzerland, and has urgently published the adjustment on its website. The change will take effect on 10. March 2026 11:00 p.m. in force.


    In accordance with the provisions of the Regulation, financial intermediaries are required to implement the prohibitions, to block the assets of the sanctioned persons and to report the business relationships concerned to SECO. The report to SECO does not relieve a financial intermediary from making additional clarifications in the event of suspicion in accordance with Art. 6 GwG and, if he cannot clear them, to report it immediately to the notification office for money laundering in accordance with Art. 9 GwG.

    The list of updates:

    Links:

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  • Yes, the timing is quite odd, given recent events…

    Iran Designated as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention

    PRESS STATEMENT

    MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE

    FEBRUARY 27, 2026

    Today, I am designating Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. When the Iranian regime seized power 47 years ago, Ayatollah Khomeini consolidated his control of power by endorsing the hostage taking of U.S. embassy staff. For decades, Iran has continued to cruelly detain innocent Americans, as well as citizens of other nations, to use as political leverage against other states. This abhorrent practice must end.

    President Trump issued an Executive Order to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad last fall and Congress subsequently enacted the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, authorizing the Department to designate Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. If Iran does not stop, we will be forced to consider additional measures, including a potential geographic travel restriction on the use of U.S. passports to, through, or from Iran.

    The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions. We encourage it to do so. No American should travel to Iran for any reason. We reiterate our call for Americans who are currently in Iran to leave immediately.

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  • Sanctions to Disrupt Iran’s Weapons Procurement Networks and Shadow Fleet

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    FEBRUARY 25, 2026

    The United States is designating individuals and entities involved in multiple weapons procurement networks based in Iran, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates supporting the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons (ACW) development.  We are also sanctioning numerous shadow fleet vessels and their owners or operators that have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.           

    The Iranian regime continues to mismanage its economy, with catastrophic consequences for its people, and prioritizes funding of foreign proxies and missiles over the basic needs of ordinary Iranians.  Today’s sanctions target the illicit funds that the regime uses to advance its malign and destabilizing ends.   

    This action implements President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 by countering the Iranian regime’s aggressive development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities.  It also denies the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps access to assets and resources that sustain its destabilizing activities.  The nonproliferation designations today support the reimposition of United Nations restrictive measures and sanctions on Iran, which occurred as a direct result of the Iranian regime’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments. 

    The United States will continue to use all available means to expose, disrupt, and counter the Iranian regime’s ability to procure revenue to develop its weapons programs and fund its destabilizing behavior. 

    The Department of the Treasury’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, E.O. 13949, the Iran conventional arms authority, and E.O. 13902, which authorizes sanctions related to key sectors of Iran’s economy. For more information on today’s actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s Press Release.

  • Iran-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Targets Iran’s Shadow Fleet, Networks Supplying Ballistic Missile and ACW Programs

    Additions:

    The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-CON-ARMS-EO] Executive Order 13949

    ABEDINI, Mohammad

    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 27 Aug 1995
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • Passport: T54523589 (Iran)
    • National ID No.: 5100152982 (Iran)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: QODS AVIATION INDUSTRIES

    Supplemental Information: Mohammad Abedini is an official of Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), an Iranian aerospace company that designs and manufactures Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the IRGC. He has been involved in coordinating the production of drone components used by the Iranian military and exported to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine.

    JAFARI, Mehrdad

    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 25 Dec 1986
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • Passport: A65005073 (Iran)
    • National ID No.: 0080721966 (Iran)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: QODS AVIATION INDUSTRIES

    Supplemental Information: Mehrdad Jafari serves as a technical specialist at Qods Aviation Industries (QAI). He is responsible for overseeing the integration of advanced sensors and navigation systems into Iran’s Shahed-series UAVs, which have been designated as a threat to regional stability.

    SHARIATZADEH, Ebrahim

    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 07 Jan 1985
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • Passport: 101957390 (Iran)
    • National ID No.: 0829468048 (Iran)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: QODS AVIATION INDUSTRIES

    Supplemental Information: Ebrahim Shariatzadeh is a manager within the procurement department of QAI. He has facilitated the acquisition of critical electronic components from foreign suppliers, bypassing international export controls to support Iran’s ballistic missile and ACW programs.

    ZAND, Mehdi

    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 06 Apr 1986
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • National ID No.: 0386329192 (Iran)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: QODS AVIATION INDUSTRIES

    Supplemental Information: Mehdi Zand is an engineer at QAI who has contributed to the research and development of long-range UAVs. His work supports the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC ASF) in enhancing its asymmetric warfare capabilities.

    The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Programs:

    • OFAC Programs:
      • [NPWMD] Non-Proliferation Weapons of Mass Destruction
      • [IFSR] Iran-Related Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 561

    ADAK PARGAS PARS TRADING COMPANY

    • Address: Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 06 Mar 2023
    • National ID No.: 14012064114 (Iran)
    • Registration Number: 22875 (Iran)
    • Linked to: KLINGE, Marco

    Supplemental Information: Adak Pargas Pars Trading Company is an Iranian procurement firm used by Marco Klinge to acquire dual-use machinery and electronics for the IRGC. The company acts as a front to mask the ultimate end-user of restricted industrial products.

    ALTIS TEKSTIL MAKINA TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI

    • AKA: ALTIS TEXTILE MACHINERY TRADING COMPANY LIMITED
    • Address: Yakupulu Neighborhood, Hurriyet Boulevard, Skyport Site, Skyport Residence, No. 1, Suite No. 62, Beylikduzu, Istanbul 34524, Turkey
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 24 Dec 2024
    • Business Registration Number: 1059763 (Turkey)
    • Linked to: OJE PARVAZ MADO NAFAR COMPANY

    Supplemental Information: Altis Tekstil is a Turkey-based front company for Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company (Mado Co). It has been utilized to procure engines and other UAV components for the IRGC, exploiting its location in Turkey to facilitate shipments into Iran.

    ARYA GLOBAL GIDA SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI

    • Address: 198, No:22-1 Atakoy 7-8-9-10, Kisim Mahallesi, Cobancesme E-5 Yan Yol Caddesi, Bakirkoy, Istanbul 34158, Turkey
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 08 Oct 2024
    • Tax ID No.: 0861684402 (Turkey)
    • Business Registration Number: 1042035 (Turkey)
    • Linked to: OJE PARVAZ MADO NAFAR COMPANY

    Supplemental Information: Arya Global Gida is part of a procurement network in Turkey that supports the Iranian defense industry. It coordinates with other designated entities to source high-precision equipment required for ballistic missile guidance systems.

    MOSTAFA ROKNIFARD PRIME CHOICE GENERAL TRADING LLC

    • AKA: MOSTAFA ROKNIFARD PERFUMES AND COSMETICS TRADING LLC
    • Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 01 Oct 2021 to 31 Oct 2021
    • Commercial Registry Number: 1627661 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Chamber of Commerce Number: 377082 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Business Registration Number: 996003 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Linked to: KLINGE, Marco

    Supplemental Information: This UAE-based entity is controlled by Marco Klinge and serves as a financial hub for laundering the proceeds of illicit Iranian oil sales and funding procurement operations for Iran’s missile programs.

    UTUS GUMRUKLEME GIDA TEKSTIL ITHALAT IHRACAT DIS TICARET VE SANAYI LIMITED SIRKETI

    • Address: 198, No:22-1 Atakoy 7-8-9-10, Kisim Mahallesi, Cobancesme, E-5 Yan Yol Caddesi, Bakirkoy, Istanbul 34158, Turkey
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 06 Dec 2024
    • Tax ID No.: 8971008150 (Turkey)
    • Business Registration Number: 1055686 (Turkey)
    • Linked to: OJE PARVAZ MADO NAFAR COMPANY

    Supplemental Information: Utus Gumrukleme is a key nodes in the Turkish-Iranian procurement network, facilitating the shipment of electronic components to Mado Co in Iran, which are then used in the assembly of attack drones.

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-EO13902] Executive Order 13902

    BEHENGAM TADBIR QESHM SHIPPING AND MARITIME SERVICES COMPANY

    • AKA: BEHENGAM TADBEER QESHM SHIPPING COMPANY
    • Address:
      • Gholestan Boulevard, Between Imam Gholi Khan Square and Hafez Square, Saman Administrative Site, Qeshm, Iran 7951613612, Iran
      • Irancheh, Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 25 Dec 2012
    • National ID No.: 14003124066 (Iran)
    • Identification Number: IMO 5965711
    • Registration Number: 3663 (Iran)

    Supplemental Information: Behengam Tadbir Qeshm is an Iranian ship management firm that operates tankers transporting Iranian petroleum to international markets. It is part of the “shadow fleet” network used by the Iranian regime to generate revenue despite international sanctions.

    GOLDWAVE MARITIME SERVICES INC

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 21 Aug 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0042648
    • Registration Number: 127600 (Marshall Islands)

    Supplemental Information: Goldwave Maritime Services Inc is the registered owner of the vessel REMIZ. It was established for the purpose of owning and managing shadow fleet vessels that transport Iranian crude oil.

    ITHAKI MARITIME AND TRADING S.A.

    • Address: Global Plaza Tower, Calle 50, Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date: 2022
    • RUC #: 155721579-2-2022 (Panama)
    • Identification Number: IMO 6329280

    Supplemental Information: Ithaki Maritime and Trading S.A. is a Panama-based shipping company that owns the vessel DANUTA I. The company is involved in the maritime transportation of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to buyers in East Asia.

    KAITO NAVIGATION SA

    • Address: 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia
    • Organization Established Date: 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0092021

    Supplemental Information: Kaito Navigation SA is a Liberian-registered entity that serves as the owner of the LPG tanker ALAA. It facilitates the illicit export of Iranian petrochemical products.

    MISTRAL FLEET CO LTD

    • AKA: MISTRAL FLEET COMPANY LIMITED
    • Address: Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British
    • Nationality of Registration: Virgin Islands, British
    • Organization Established Date: 2025
    • Identification Number: IMO 0334947

    Supplemental Information: Mistral Fleet Co Ltd is the owner of the Barbados-flagged vessel NORTH STAR. It manages vessels that participate in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to conceal the Iranian origin of petroleum cargoes.

    NYR SHIPPING CO.

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 31 May 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0148434
    • Registration Number: 126284 (Marshall Islands)

    Supplemental Information: NYR Shipping Co. is the owner of the vessel GAS FATE. Since 2024, it has been involved in transporting Iranian grey ammonia to various jurisdictions to support the Iranian petrochemical sector.

    OCEAN KUDOS SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 26 Nov 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0118435
    • Registration Number: 129014 (Marshall Islands)

    Supplemental Information: Ocean Kudos Shipping Co Ltd owns the vessel OCEAN KOI. This company has been instrumental in transporting millions of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil and condensate since early 2025.

    PAROS MARITIME S.A.

    • Address: Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date: 22 Nov 2021
    • RUC #: 155715457-2-2021 (Panama)
    • Identification Number: IMO 6272687 (Panama)

    Supplemental Information: Paros Maritime S.A. operates the vessel NIBA. The company has facilitated the export of Iranian butane and propane as part of the shadow fleet since 2025.

    POROS MARITIME VENTURES S.A.

    • Address: 21st Floor, Global Plaza, Calle 50, Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date: 04 Jun 2025
    • RUC #: 155768186-2-2025 (Panama)
    • Identification Number: IMO 0260904

    Supplemental Information: Poros Maritime Ventures S.A. is the registered owner of the vessel HOOT, which is engaged in the transport of Iranian LPG to foreign markets.

    VAST MARINE INC

    • AKA: VAST MARINE INCORPORATED
    • Address: 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia
    • Organization Established Date: 2023
    • Identification Number: IMO 6421571

    Supplemental Information: Vast Marine Inc owns the vessel FELICITA, a crude oil tanker that has been identified as a persistent participant in the Iranian shadow fleet.

    WANSA GAS SHIPPING CO.

    • Address:
      • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
      • Office 2505, Silver Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Organization Established Date: 17 Feb 2025
    • Identification Number: IMO 0191721
    • Registration Number: 130159 (Marshall Islands)

    Supplemental Information: Wansa Gas Shipping Co. owns the vessel LUMA and operates from Dubai. It manages the logistics for Iranian gas exports to South Asia.

    The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-EO13902] Executive Order 13902

    ALAA (T8A5128)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Palau
    • Vessel Year of Build: 1998
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9155341
    • MMSI: 511101662
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: KAITO NAVIGATION SA

    ATEELA 1 (EPCF9)

    • Vessel Type: Products Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Iran
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2009
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9548990
    • MMSI: 422044800
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: BEHENGAM TADBIR QESHM SHIPPING AND MARITIME SERVICES COMPANY

    ATEELA 2 (EPCG2)

    • Vessel Type: Products Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Iran
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2010
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9549009
    • MMSI: 422044900
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: BEHENGAM TADBIR QESHM SHIPPING AND MARITIME SERVICES COMPANY

    DANUTA I (T8A4990)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Palau
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2000
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9193721
    • MMSI: 511101556
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: ITHAKI MARITIME AND TRADING S.A.

    FELICITA (D6A3040)

    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Comoros
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2000
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9167162
    • MMSI: 620999032
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: VAST MARINE INC

    GAS FATE (3E6859)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 1999
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9147394
    • MMSI: 352004577
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: NYR SHIPPING CO.

    HOOT (3FIQ9)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2003
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9267962
    • MMSI: 371686000
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: POROS MARITIME VENTURES S.A.

    LUMA (YJQY4)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Vanuatu
    • Vessel Year of Build: 1993
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9034690
    • MMSI: 577277000
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: WANSA GAS SHIPPING CO.

    NIBA (T8A4992)

    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Palau
    • Vessel Year of Build: 1993
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9046784
    • MMSI: 511101558
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: PAROS MARITIME S.A.

    NORTH STAR (8PPB)

    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Barbados
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2005
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9299563
    • MMSI: 314109000
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: MISTRAL FLEET CO LTD

    OCEAN KOI (8P2574)

    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Barbados
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9255933
    • MMSI: 314001038
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: OCEAN KUDOS SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED

    REMIZ (3E8793)

    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2002
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9223344
    • MMSI: 352005545
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: GOLDWAVE MARITIME SERVICES INC
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  • Announcement of Additional Visa Restriction Targets for Individuals Involved in Inhibiting Iranians’ Rights to Freedom of Expression

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    FEBRUARY 18, 2026

    During Iran’s nationwide protests in December 2025 and January 2026, the Iranian regime has unleashed violence and repression against tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators. The regime imposed a near-total nationwide internet shutdown, unprecedented in scope and duration, that severely restricted independent documentation of abuses and cut Iranians off from the world. Even today, the regime continues to restrict the ability of Iranians to exercise their basic freedoms. As President Trump has made clear, the United States stands with the Iranian people.

    Today, pursuant to his authority under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Secretary Rubio is taking steps to impose visa restrictions against 18 Iranian regime officials and telecommunications industry leaders, as well as their immediate family members. This visa restriction policy will target individuals who are complicit, or believed to be complicit, in serious violations of human rights, particularly inhibiting the right of Iranians to free expression and peaceful assembly. 58 individuals have now been targeted by this policy.

    The United States will continue to stand with the right of the Iranian people to free expression. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Iranians and their demand for peace and dignity. We will continue to use all tools available to expose and promote accountability for the abuses by Iranian regime officials and other individuals.

  • Iran-related Designations

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Targets Illicit Iranian Oil Trade and Shadow Fleet

    State Press Release: Sanctions to Combat Illicit Traders of Iranian Oil and the Shadow Fleet

    Additions:

    The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-EO13846] – Iran Sanctions – Executive Order 13846

    OZSUREN, Mehmet

    • DOB: 01 Sep 1960
    • POB: Turkey
    • Nationality: Turkey
    • Gender: Male
    • Executive Order 13846 information: BLOCKING PROPERTY AND INTERESTS IN PROPERTY. Sec. 5(a)(iv)
    • Passport: 203970 (Turkey)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: AMON KIMYA VE MAKINA SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI

    Supplemental Information: According to the Treasury Department, Mehmet Ozsuren is the manager of Amon Kimya Ve Makina Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, a Turkey-based entity sanctioned for importing Iranian-origin ammonia.

    SHINDE, Akash Anant

    • DOB: 22 Jul 2000
    • Nationality: India
    • Gender: Male
    • Executive Order 13846 information: BLOCKING PROPERTY AND INTERESTS IN PROPERTY. Sec. 5(a)(iv)
    • Identification Number: 10970777 (India)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: ELEVATE MARINE MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: Akash Anant Shinde is identified as the director of Elevate Marine Management Private Limited, an India-based firm that serves as the commercial manager of the vessel BENEDICT.

    The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-EO13846] – Iran Sanctions – Executive Order 13846

    ALL WIN SHIPPING MANAGEMENT LIMITED

    • Address: Hong Kong, China
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A Hong Kong-based ship management company accused of managing the crude tanker VICSCENE, which transported Iranian oil between March and April 2025.

    AMON KIMYA VE MAKINA SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI

    • Address: Turkey
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A Turkey-based entity designated for importing Iranian-origin ammonia. It is managed by Mehmet Ozsuren.

    DIAKO IC VE DIS TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI

    • AKA: DIAKO
    • Address: Turkey
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A Turkey-based petrochemical trader that imported over $700,000 worth of Iranian-origin petrochemical products from multiple companies between January and August 2024.

    ELEVATE MARINE MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED

    • AKA: ELEVATE
    • Address: India
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: An India-based commercial shipping management company designated for serving as the commercial manager of the BENEDICT, a Cameroon-flagged crude oil tanker that transported Iranian petroleum products on at least three occasions between September and November 2025.

    MANARAT ALKHALEEJ MARINE SERVICES FZE

    • AKA: MANARAT ALKHALEEJ
    • Address: United Arab Emirates
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A UAE-based commercial manager of the vessels OCEAN GUARDIAN and AL SAFA, which loaded petroleum products in Iran.

    MPHASIS MARINE SOLUTIONS FZE

    • Address: United Arab Emirates
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A UAE-based commercial manager of the RAYYAN GAS and GAZ CRYSTAL, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) tankers involved in transporting Iranian-origin ammonia.

    QINGDAO OCEAN KIMO SHIP MANAGEMENT CO LTD

    • Address: China
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A Chinese ship manager designated for operating the Barbados-flagged tanker BENLAI.

    STAREX DIS TICARET KIMYA ANONIM SIRKETI

    • Address: Turkey
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: A Turkey-based firm accused of importing more than $8 million worth of Iranian petrochemical products in 2024.

    The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

    OFAC Program: [IRAN-EO13846] – Iran Sanctions – Executive Order 13846

    AL SAFA (IMO 9222649)

    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Type: Oil Products Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: MANARAT ALKHALEEJ MARINE SERVICES FZE

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which Manarat Alkhaleej has an interest. The vessel loaded petroleum products in Iran between September and October 2022.

    BENEDICT

    • Vessel Flag: Cameroon
    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: ELEVATE MARINE MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which Elevate Marine Management has an interest. The vessel transported Iranian petroleum products on at least three occasions in late 2025.

    BENLAI

    • Vessel Flag: Barbados
    • Vessel Type: Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: QINGDAO OCEAN KIMO SHIP MANAGEMENT CO LTD

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property of Qingdao Ocean Kimo Ship Management.

    GAZ CRYSTAL (IMO 9318618)

    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: MPHASIS MARINE SOLUTIONS FZE

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which Mphasis Marine Solutions has an interest.

    OCEAN GUARDIAN (IMO 9267948)

    • Vessel Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Type: Oil Products Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: MANARAT ALKHALEEJ MARINE SERVICES FZE

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which Manarat Alkhaleej has an interest. The vessel loaded petroleum products in Iran.

    RAYYAN GAS (IMO 9133109)

    • Vessel Flag: Palau
    • Vessel Type: LPG Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: MPHASIS MARINE SOLUTIONS FZE

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which Mphasis Marine Solutions has an interest. It transported Iranian-origin ammonia on at least seven occasions in 2025.

    VICSCENE

    • Vessel Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Party Type: Vessel
    • Linked to: ALL WIN SHIPPING MANAGEMENT LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: Identified as property in which All Win Shipping Management has an interest. The vessel transported Iranian oil between March and April 2025.

    Sources:

    • OFAC Recent Actions – Feb 06, 2026
    • Treasury Press Release: “Treasury Targets Illicit Iranian Oil Trade and Shadow Fleet” (Feb 06, 2026)
    • State Department Press Release: “Sanctions to Combat Illicit Traders of Iranian Oil and the Shadow Fleet” (Feb 06, 2026)
    • Hindistan Times: “Indian national, firm targeted by US in fresh sanctions against Iran”
    • gCaptain: “U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Shadow Fleet as Nuclear Talks Resume”