US Warns of Environmental Risks from Illegal Transfer of Iranian Oil to Malaysia

A senior US Treasury official warned about the environmental risks posed by the illegal transfer of Iranian oil to Malaysia. This comes as the United States focuses on countering the financing of militia groups from Southeast Asia. Brian Nelson, the US Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that one of the main ways the Islamic Republic attracts funds is through the illegal sale of oil to buyers in East Asia. Nelson added, 'Many of these shipments pass through the waters around Malaysia and are loaded onto ships with questionable identities, which may pose significant environmental and safety risks to the region.' Expressing concern about ship-to-ship oil transfers in the region, Nelson noted that such transactions could lead to accidents or oil spills on the shores of Malaysia. According to this US official, the Treasury Department has also observed an increase in efforts by the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups, including Hamas, to raise and transfer money in Southeast Asia. He urged anyone wishing to support humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to donate to reputable charities and ensure that these contributions are not diverted elsewhere. Brian Nelson and Neil McBride, the US Treasury's General Counsel, are this week traveling to Singapore and Malaysia to advance efforts against financing and revenue generation by the Islamic Republic and its affiliates. However, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia's Minister of Home Affairs, stated that he conveyed Malaysia's position on sanctions to Brian Nelson during a meeting on Thursday. He added that Malaysia adheres to UN sanctions but does not recognize unilateral sanctions. The Malaysian Minister mentioned that the country has initiated investigations against an organization suspected of links to Palestinians but did not specify the name of this organization. Source: Reuters. Despite delays in completing the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, Pakistan says it will not withdraw from the project. A US official stated that the Islamic Republic is moving oil with the help of 'entities based in Malaysia.' A US official is traveling to Asia to discuss sanctions against the Islamic Republic and Russia. The activities of the Islamic Republic in 'terrorism financing' through cryptocurrencies are under scrutiny; a letter from two US senators to the Biden administration. Two US senators called for action against the Iranian and Russian governments' misuse of cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions.