The United States announced new sanctions targeting entities and vessels linked to Iranian petroleum exports, aiming to restrict revenue streams used by the Iranian government and its security forces. The measures were issued by the Department of the Treasury on 4 February 2025, aligning with National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 to limit funding tied to regional and nuclear-related risks.
The announcement was made in Washington as part of the Biden administration’s broader national security and sanctions enforcement framework. It places the latest action within ongoing US efforts to pressure Iran’s government through financial and trade restrictions tied to official policy directives.
US Sanctions Announcement
The Department of the Treasury confirmed the imposition of sanctions on eight entities and nine vessels identified as part of Iran’s petroleum shipping network. According to the Treasury, the targeted actors were involved in transporting Iranian petroleum and petroleum products, including liquefied petroleum gas, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Meanwhile, the department stated that the action was intended to deny the Iranian government and its security forces access to funds linked to domestic repression and regional activities. The measures were issued under executive authorities referenced in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, dated February 2025.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctioned entities | Eight added | Identified by the US Department of the Treasury as part of Iran’s petroleum export network, February 2025 |
| Sanctioned vessels | Nine added | Listed by the Treasury for transporting Iranian petroleum and LPG products, February 2025 |
| Policy authority | Reaffirmed | National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, issued by the White House, February 2025 |
Petroleum Shipping and Revenue Controls
The Treasury stated that the sanctioned network had moved large volumes of Iranian petroleum and related products through maritime routes designed to obscure their origin. According to the department, these shipments were used to generate revenue for Iran’s government and associated security forces.
Additionally, US officials said the measures were part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to export petroleum through what the Treasury described as fraudulent or concealed mechanisms. The department linked the financial impact of the sanctions to limiting funds available for domestic repression and regional activities.
- Maritime routes: Described by the US Department of the Treasury as channels used to move Iranian petroleum and LPG products despite existing sanctions.
- Revenue restriction: Treasury officials said the action is intended to limit financial resources reaching Iran’s government and security forces.
National Security Presidential Memorandum Context
The White House outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 that US policy seeks to deny Iran access to revenues tied to nuclear development, ballistic missile programs, and support for designated groups. The memorandum, issued in February 2025, directs multiple federal departments to coordinate sanctions, export controls, and diplomatic measures.
However, the document also assigns oversight roles to the Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce, as well as engagement through the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The administration stated that these steps are intended to align financial pressure with broader national security objectives.
Wrapping Up
The latest sanctions mark a continuation of US efforts to apply financial and trade restrictions under the framework set by National Security Presidential Memorandum 2. By targeting petroleum shipping networks, the Department of the Treasury said the measures are designed to limit revenue flows linked to Iran’s government and associated activities.
The action reflects ongoing coordination across federal departments and international channels as Washington maintains its sanctions-based approach to addressing security and policy concerns related to Iran.
Sources: US Department of the Treasury, and The White House.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
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