The Trump administration sanctioned a Chinese oil company in Iran before negotiations in Pakistan

The United States announced a new battery of economic sanctions against Iran, in a measure that aims to weaken the country's main source of income: the export of oil. The decision, announced by the United States Department of the Treasury, includes the Chinese refinery Hengli Petrochemical and nearly 40 shipping companies and ships involved in transporting Iranian crude oil, as part of a broader strategy of financial pressure promoted by the

United States.

The Hengli refinery, located in the port city of Dalian, is one of the largest independent facilities in China, with the capacity to process about 400,000 barrels per day. According to US authorities, this company has purchased Iranian oil for billions of dollars since at least 2023, consolidating itself as one of the main customers of crude oil from Tehran. These operations are part of a commercial network that allows Iran to financially sustain destabilizing activities

in the region.

In an official statement, the U.S. State Department stated that the objective of the sanctions is to interrupt the illegal trade in Iranian oil, which it identifies as the main source of funding for the Iranian government. The U.S. administration maintains that these resources are used to support military operations and allied networks in the Middle East, which represents a threat to regional stability and international interests

.

The

measures include the blocking of assets on U.S. territory and the prohibition of U.S. citizens or companies from maintaining business relationships with sanctioned entities. Those affected include companies registered in various jurisdictions, such as Panama, Marshall Islands and Hong Kong, which participate in the so-called “ghost fleet”. This network of ships and logistics operators makes it possible to transport Iranian oil through mechanisms that seek to evade international controls

and sanctions.

The initiative is part of the “maximum pressure” policy that Washington has resumed with the objective of forcing changes in Iran's behavior. Treasury officials stressed that they will continue to target the networks of intermediaries, buyers and carriers that facilitate the placement of Iranian oil in global markets. In this sense, the strategy is not limited to sanctioning producers, but also covers the entire logistics and financial chain associated with energy trade

.

China's role is central in this scenario, since it absorbs more than 80% of Iranian oil exports, according to industry estimates. Much of this trade is channeled through independent refineries, known as “teapots”, which operate with tight margins and less exposure to the international financial system. This feature has limited the direct impact of previous sanctions, although experts warn that tightening measures on banks and intermediaries could significantly alter

this dynamic.

In this context, the U.S. government has warned Chinese financial institutions about the possibility of facing secondary sanctions if funds linked to Iran are detected in their accounts. This additional pressure seeks to close the channels that allow the flow of oil revenues to Tehran to be sustained, increasing the costs and risks of

any related transaction.

The sanctions are announced at a time of high tension in the global energy market, marked by interruptions in strategic routes and an upward trend in oil prices. The situation has forced some Chinese refineries to pay premiums for Iranian crude, reflecting the indirect impact of the restrictions. At the same time, the international context adds complexity to the ongoing diplomatic negotiations

.

In parallel, the United States and Iranian representatives are preparing for a new round of talks, after previous meetings that failed to achieve significant progress. The White House has pointed out that economic pressure is part of a dual strategy that combines sanctions with openness to dialogue. The objective is to encourage Iran to change its position on key issues, including regional security and nuclear development

.

Many analysts believe that, while the immediate effect of sanctions may be limited in certain sectors, their cumulative impact could be significant in the medium term. By making it difficult to access markets, finance and logistics, Washington seeks to progressively erode Iran's economic capacity to

sustain its foreign policies.