Washington:The US Treasury Department has sanctioned 17 vessels associated with Iran's 'shadow fleet' as part of efforts to increase pressure on Tehran's petroleum exports. These sanctions are directed at ships involved in transporting millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, petroleum, and petrochemical products to markets in South and East Asia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the sanctions also encompass companies participating in this shipping network. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the department's commitment to enforcing sanctions, stating that no entity involved in Iranian sanctions evasion is beyond reach.

Among the vessels affected, the Vanuatu-flagged Tina 5 reportedly transported over 1.5 million barrels of Iranian crude oil in August. The Comoros-flagged Sogl was noted for carrying more than 2 million barrels of Iranian propane and butane since September 2025, and the Cameroon-flagged Shenzen transported over 3.5 million barrels of crude since November 2025.

This move is part of Operation Economic Outcast, initiated on August 24, aiming to limit Iran's access to global financial and commercial networks. The initiative extends sanctions across various sectors, including shipping, aviation, technology, gold, and digital assets. The Treasury Department has cautioned that entities aiding Iran in circumventing sanctions may face exclusion from the US financial system.

In a separate development, the Treasury Department has removed the vessels Hakuna Matata and Pinochio from its sanctions list after their departure from the shadow fleet and their sale to operators not under sanctions.