Days after missile attack on Israel, US expands sanctions on Iran’s oil sector
The US on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran’s energy sector in response to its October 1 attack on Israel when it fired roughly 180 missiles into the country.
Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Included in Friday’s sanctions are blocks on Iran’s so-called “ghost fleet” of ships and associated firms that span the United Arab Emirates, Liberia, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions that allegedly obfuscate and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia.
Additionally, the US State Department designated a network of companies based in Suriname, India, Malaysia and Hong Kong for allegedly arranging for the sale and transport of petroleum and petroleum products from Iran.
Current US law authorises sanctions targeting Iran’s energy sector as well as foreign firms that buy, sell and transport Iranian oil. But energy sanctions are often a delicate issue as restricting supplies could push up prices for global commodities that the US and its allies need.
Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor, said the new sanctions “will help further deny Iran financial resources used to support its missile programmes and provide support for terrorist groups that threaten the United States, its allies, and partners.” The penalties aim to block them from using the US financial system and bar American citizens from dealing with them. Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict. Increasingly, however, escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies threaten to push West Asia closer to a regional war.
Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a US-led coalition while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.
Iran Parl Speaker visits Beirut
Iran’s parliament Speaker on Saturday toured the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed and wounded dozens, vowing that Tehran would keep supporting Lebanese and Palestinians in fighting against Israel. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf (in pic left) visited the bombed area after holding talks with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who said Lebanon’s priority now was working toward a ceasefire.
His office said Lebanon’s government still abided by a 2006 UN Security Council Resolution approved at the end of a 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah and was prepared to boost Lebanese army presence along the country’s border with Israel.
Indian firm among those sanctioned
An Indian shipping firm is among the dozen-odd companies sanctioned by the US for allegedly carrying Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia days after slapping restrictions targetting Iran’s energy trade for its October 1 attack on Israel. Gabbaro Ship Services was involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum.
