The United States has introduced a new round of sanctions aimed at disrupting Iran’s global energy export network, expanding restrictions to include Chinese-linked import terminals and shipping entities.

According to the U.S. Treasury’s latest announcement, more than 50 individuals and entities and over 30 vessels have been designated for their roles in facilitating the transportation and trade of Iranian-origin crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Among the affected companies is a major oil terminal operator in China’s Shandong Province, identified as a recipient of multiple crude cargoes from vessels operating in opaque ownership structures. The facility is known to handle a significant portion of China’s private-sector oil imports.

The sanctions also extend to several independent refineries and maritime service providers alleged to have engaged in ship-to-ship transfers or falsified documentation to conceal the source of Iranian oil.

U.S. officials stated that the move forms part of a broader strategy to restrict Iran’s oil revenue, which Washington says contributes to activities undermining regional stability. The enforcement will include monitoring tanker movements, ownership transfers, and financial channels supporting the sanctioned trade.

This development adds new compliance challenges for shipping operators and commodity traders, particularly those engaged in the shadow fleet of older tankers that transport Iranian and Russian oil under alternate flags. Market analysts expect the sanctions to tighten maritime insurance scrutiny and could indirectly affect freight rates in the Asian crude trade.

Both Iran and China have not issued formal responses to the new measures as of this week.