By Paul Joseph
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on a major Chinese “teapot” refinery, Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., Ltd., for allegedly purchasing Iranian crude oil, in a move aimed at tightening pressure on Tehran’s key revenue streams.
The action, announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, forms part of Washington’s broader strategy to curb Iran’s oil exports by targeting foreign buyers and the networks facilitating the trade.
U.S. officials accused the refinery of acquiring billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil despite existing sanctions, describing it as one of Tehran’s largest customers. Authorities also blacklisted about 40 shipping firms and vessels linked to what they called Iran’s “shadow fleet,” used to transport crude oil covertly across international waters.
According to Washington, proceeds from these oil sales have helped fund Iran’s military and state-affiliated operations.
Under the sanctions, any U.S.-based assets tied to the listed entities are frozen, while American individuals and companies are barred from engaging in transactions with them. The Treasury said the measures are intended to “cripple Iran’s oil export network” and limit resources available for its strategic activities.
China has consistently opposed such actions, condemning them as unlawful unilateral sanctions and urging the United States to stop targeting its companies over dealings with Iran.
The latest development adds to rising global tensions surrounding Iran’s oil trade and ongoing geopolitical friction across the Middle East energy corridor.
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