Thursday sanctions also targeted Egyptian businessman, whose companies are linked to seven of the 29 tankers included in what the Treasury described as Iran’s “shadow fleet,” as well as several associated shipping companies.

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctioned vessels and companies were involved in the maritime transport of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil and petroleum products.

Since Donald Trump took office, his administration has sanctioned more than 180 vessels over transporting Iranian crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Data released by oil export trackers’ websites, such as Tanker Trackers show that despite the intensified US campaign against Iran, China, as the main buyer of the Iranian crude, has imported more oil, much to the US chagrin. 

DID