The U.S. Sanctions Iranian and Russian Companies Involved in Oil Transfers to Syria

The U.S. has sanctioned one Iranian company and three Russian companies, including a subsidiary of the Russian Ministry of Energy, for violating U.S. oil sanctions against the Bashar al-Assad government. The U.S. also sanctioned a Russian citizen, a Syrian, and two officials from the Central Bank of Iran for their involvement in these transactions. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a statement on Tuesday, November 29, warning that individuals involved in transporting oil to Syria, wherever they may be in the world, are seriously at risk of U.S. sanctions. The report adds that the pharmaceutical company 'Tadbir Kish' appears to be involved in humanitarian goods but is actually responsible for transferring funds from the Central Bank of Iran to 'Mir Business Bank' in Russia. The Russian company 'Global Vision,' managed by Syrian citizen Mohammad Amir al-Shawki, uses these funds to purchase Iranian oil from the state-owned 'Promsyryo Import' in Russia and transport it to Syria. Iran and Russia began trading 'Iranian oil for Russian goods' in November of last year, with 'Promsyryo Import' responsible for receiving 100,000 barrels of Iranian oil daily. In this context, the Financial Times reported that it contacted the mentioned companies but received no response. The U.S. Treasury states that 'millions of barrels of Iranian oil have reached Syria through this mechanism.' In relation to this issue, Rasul Sajad, head of the International Department of the Central Bank, and his deputy, Hossein Yaqoubi, have been sanctioned by the U.S. The Treasury emphasizes that all individuals and entities involved in transportation, insurance, tankers, financial institutions, managers, and stakeholders in these transactions face the risk of sanctions. According to this report, the U.S. is committed to preventing any illegal financial interactions and support for the Syrian government, which includes the transfer of oil and petroleum products to Syrian state entities and ports. The report specifically names Iran and Russia as being involved in transporting oil and petroleum products to Syria. 'The U.S., along with its allies, is working to isolate the Syrian government and its supporters in the global financial and trade system. The U.S., the European Union, and the United Nations continue sanctions against Syria, and the U.S. is making every effort to increase pressure on Bashar al-Assad's regime and its financial facilitators.' The report specifically lists over thirty small Russian and Iranian tankers involved in the 'clandestine' transport of Iranian oil and petroleum products to Syria. It also warns companies and individuals involved in transportation, financial payments, insurance, and any oil relations with Iran that they will face U.S. penalties if they violate Iran's oil sanctions. The U.S. implemented oil sanctions against Iran on November 14. In this context, the Iranian Deputy Oil Minister stated that France will likely host a special European mechanism. The U.S. representative for Iran stated, 'We are vigilant about evading sanctions.'