3 weeks ago
On Wednesday, the United States government imposed sanctions on eight companies for managing vessels that have transported Iranian crude oil to China and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the U.S. State Department, these ships are part of Iran's "shadow fleet," which Tehran utilizes to bypass international sanctions placed on its petrochemical products.
Additionally, Washington blacklisted the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority and the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company, both of which are backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The two entities stand accused of fabricating risks, including the threat of vessel seizures, and subsequently charging commercial ships for insurance against the very dangers created by the IRGC.
These new designations are aimed at disrupting the revenue streams of Iranian forces, bringing the total number of vessels sanctioned by the U.S. this year to more than 100.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is working to establish an international coalition to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea from the Houthis, an allied partner within Iran's regional network. This follows accusations made by the Houthis in June, who claimed Saudi Arabia was supporting American actions and policies targeting Yemen, pledging to fight the U.S.-Saudi "aggression, occupation, and blockade."
Also on Wednesday, a branch of Yemen's National Army—an opponent of the Houthis supported by a Saudi-led coalition—revealed its "Ayban" attack drone alongside
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