US designates firms moving Iranian oil to China, UAE

The United States designated eight companies on Wednesday for operating vessels that have transported Iranian crude oil to China and the United Arab Emirates.

The ships, according to the State Department, are part of Iran’s shadow fleet, which Tehran uses to evade sanctions imposed on its petrochemical products.

The U.S. also sanctioned the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority and the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company, both backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The two entities are accused of manufacturing risks—including threatening vessel seizures—and then charging commercial vessels for coverage against dangers created by the IRGC.

The new designations by Washington further target Iranian forces’ revenue sources and increase the number of vessels sanctioned this year to more than 100.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is reportedly working to form an international alliance to protect Red Sea shipping from the Houthis, an aligned partner within Iran’s regional network.

In June, the Houthis accused the kingdom of aiding U.S. actions and policies against Yemen, vowing to resist the American-Saudi “aggression, occupation, and blockade.” On Wednesday, a faction of Yemen’s National Army— a Houthi adversary backed by a Saudi-led coalition—unveiled its ‘Ayban’ attack drone and another system named ‘Naqm’.