The United States has imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, escalating economic pressure as tensions rise over Tehran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington says the new measures target more than two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels linked to the petroleum shipping network of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, accused of helping Iran bypass existing sanctions through complex shipping and consulting fronts.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move is part of an “Economic Fury” campaign designed to cut off revenue streams benefiting Iran’s ruling elite, while the State Department said the action is aimed at preventing Tehran from using the vital oil corridor as leverage in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, remains effectively shut down by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli military operations, triggering disruptions in global energy markets.

In addition to the oil sanctions, the US also blacklisted an alleged Hezbollah financier and several firms accused of laundering money through Iranian oil-for-gold transactions involving Venezuela, signaling a broader crackdown on Tehran’s financial networks.