US Targets Iran’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ And Houthi Cash Flow With New Sanctions

United States imposed sanctions on Thursday, targeting individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran and Yemen’s Houthi group, according to the Treasury Department. The measures aim to curtail revenue streams that fund destabilizing activities in the region.

The sanctions target three ships in the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals, a sector that brings billions of dollars to Tehran’s ruling elite. The revenues are claimed to be used to fund Iran’s nuclear program, build ballistic missiles, and bankroll proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

Bradley Smith, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said, “The United States is committed to targeting Iran’s key revenue streams that fund its destabilizing activities.” He added that Iran sustains these operations through a “shadowy network” of vessels, companies, and facilitators.

The targeted vessels include the Djibouti flagged MS ENOLA, belonging to Journey Investment Company; MS ANGIA, the San Marino flagged; and finally, the Panama flagged MS MELENIA. The latter two are managed and operated under the name of Liberia-and Greece-registered Rose Shipping Limited.

The sanctions freeze all US property and interests owned or controlled by the designated entities. US persons or entities that deal with them would be subject to fines or even enforcement actions.

In addition to these measures, 12 Houthi leaders, with the name Hashem Ismail Ali Ahmad al-Madani among the list, which include the leader of the Houthi central bank in Sanaa. These include involvement in smuggling arms and Iranian oil money laundering shipment and sales.

Iran has not reacted to the newest sanctions, which claim that the nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The new measures push the tensions further as the US seeks to limit Iran’s influence in the region.