Washington: The United States has imposed fresh economic sanctions on a major Chinese oil refinery along with nearly 40 shipping firms and oil tankers accused of transporting Iranian crude. The move, announced on Friday, signals an escalation in efforts by the administration of Donald Trump to curb Tehran’s oil income.
Officials indicated that this step aligns with earlier warnings that any country or company engaging in trade with Iran could face secondary sanctions.
Impact on Global Energy Supply Routes
The action is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Iran’s primary source of revenue—its oil exports. Around the same time, the US also enforced a physical blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments, raising concerns about potential disruptions in international oil supply.
Chinese Refinery Under Scrutiny
Among the entities targeted is Hengli Petrochemical, located in Dalian, China. The facility, which has a processing capacity of around 400,000 barrels per day, is considered one of China’s largest independent refineries.
According to the US Treasury Department, Hengli has been receiving shipments of Iranian crude oil since 2023. Authorities claim these transactions have generated hundreds of millions of dollars, allegedly benefiting Iran’s military operations.
Monitoring Iran’s Oil Network
The advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran reported in February 2025 that Hengli is among several Chinese buyers involved in purchasing Iranian oil.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the department will continue targeting the network of vessels, intermediaries, and buyers that Iran relies on to move its oil into global markets.
A Broader Strategy in Motion
The latest sanctions underline Washington’s ongoing efforts to isolate Iran economically by restricting its ability to export oil. With increased monitoring and enforcement, the US appears determined to tighten control over global trade channels linked to Iranian energy exports.