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US to block oil to China if Iran fees are paid

From Svenska Dagbladet · (1d ago) Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The U.S. intends to block oil tankers bound for China that pay fees to Iran, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • This action aims to enforce sanctions against Iran and prevent circumvention through such payments.
  • The U.S. recently allowed a Russian oil tanker destined for Cuba to pass, despite an oil embargo, indicating a selective enforcement of sanctions.

The United States is taking a firm stance against oil shipments to China that involve payments to Iran, signaling a potential diplomatic friction point between Washington and Beijing. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that tankers paying Iranian fees will not be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that such actions constitute violations of American sanctions.

Bessent's remarks, made during an IMF meeting, underscore the U.S. commitment to its sanctions regime against Iran. The move comes after several tankers carrying oil to China were reportedly allowed to pass through the strait by Iran, possibly after paying a fee. The U.S. appears determined to cut off any revenue streams that support the Iranian economy through these illicit transactions.

However, the U.S. has also demonstrated a degree of flexibility in its sanctions enforcement. Recently, a Russian oil tanker headed for Cuba was permitted to proceed despite an existing oil embargo. This selective application of sanctions raises questions about the consistency of U.S. policy and its geopolitical considerations. The U.S. Treasury's actions highlight the complex interplay of international finance, sanctions, and geopolitical maneuvering in the global oil market.

Du kommer inte igenom. Om de betalar begår de brott mot amerikanska sanktioner och det slutar aldrig bra.

— Scott BessentU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explaining the U.S. policy on oil tankers paying fees to Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.