
U.S. Targets Iran’s Shadow Banking Network to Disrupt Illicit Oil Trade
Washington D.C. – July 9, 2025 – The U.S. Department of State announced today a significant action aimed at disrupting the financial mechanisms supporting Iran’s illicit oil trade. The Department has sanctioned entities and individuals involved in Iran’s “shadow banking” network, a system that facilitates the clandestine sale and movement of Iranian oil, thereby circumventing international sanctions.
This latest measure underscores the United States’ commitment to holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities and its efforts to evade global financial regulations. The sanctioned network is accused of playing a crucial role in enabling Iran to generate revenue through the sale of oil on the black market, funds that are then reportedly channeled to support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional proxy networks.
The “shadow banking” system, as described by the State Department, involves a complex web of front companies, financial facilitators, and shipping operators that work to obscure the origin and destination of Iranian oil. These operations often utilize deceptive practices and shell corporations to disguise transactions, making them difficult to trace and intercept.
By targeting these key players and their financial infrastructure, the U.S. aims to choke off the revenue streams that fuel Iran’s illicit activities. This action is part of a broader strategy to exert maximum economic pressure on Iran and deter its continued pursuit of policies that threaten regional stability and international security.
The Department of State reiterated its resolve to work with international partners to identify and dismantle such networks, emphasizing that those who facilitate illicit financial activities in support of the Iranian regime will be held responsible. This move is expected to have a tangible impact on the logistical and financial capabilities of those involved in Iran’s oil smuggling operations.
Sanctioning Iran’s “Shadow Banking” Network of Illicit Oil Traders
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U.S. Department of State published ‘Sanctioning Iran’s “Shadow Banking” Network of Illicit Oil Traders’ at 2025-07-09 15:11. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.