US sanctions Iranian shipping tycoon, alleging he aided the country to ‘evade US sanctions'

The United States Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Seyed Asadollah Emamjomeh, an Iranian shipping magnate, and his corporate network. Emamjomeh was accused of transporting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian energy products – especially liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and crude oil – to international markets despite existing sanctions. 

The Treasury Department stated that the illegal sale of energy products is used to fund Iranian nuclear weapons development and support terror groups. 

“In addition to crude oil, LPG continues to be a major source of revenue for the Iranian regime, the proceeds of which fund Iran’s nuclear and advanced conventional weapons programs, as well as regional proxy groups and partners such as Hizballah (Hezbollah), the Houthis, and Hamas,” the Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday. 

On Tuesday, the Treasury announced the sanctions against Emamjomeh (72), his son, Meisam Emamjomeh (45) and 12 companies under their control, including some which are also based in the United Arab Emirates. 

“Emamjomeh and his network sought to export thousands of shipments of LPG – including from the United States – to evade U.S. sanctions and generate revenue for Iran,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

“The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to provide the Iranian regime with the funding it needs to further its destabilizing activities in the region and around the world.” 

The sanctions against Emamjomeh and his network prevent any U.S.-based assets from being used without authorization from the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. All assets in the U.S. will be blocked, including the TINOS I, a gas carrier vessel belonging to the younger Emamjomeh, which the Treasury said attempted to load LPG off the coast of Houston, Texas, in June. 

New @USTreasury sanctions on Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh are greatly welcomed. We @UANI have been tracking his activities overseas & in Iran. His illicit shipping activities have been funding the IRGC. This network is tied to Imam Sadegh University,which should be the next target… pic.twitter.com/dCnLVW5Fay

— Kasra Aarabi (کسری اعرابی) (@KasraAarabi) April 23, 2025

The Treasury also said that the actions taken are part of the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign and in line with Executive Order (E.O.) 13902. 

U. S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Emamjomeh’s network “was created to avoid sanctions and help fund Iran's dangerous activities.” 

“We will continue to act against anyone helping Iran raise money for these purposes,” she added. 

The Iranian Foreign Ministry attacked the move, saying it demonstrates a “lack of goodwill and seriousness.” 

“The continued imposition of sanctions against various economic sectors of Iran is in clear contradiction with the U.S. claim for dialogue and negotiation and indicates the lack of goodwill and seriousness of the U.S. in this regard," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement shared on Telegram. 

The new sanctions came just days after the U.S. and Iran concluded the second round of talks over Iran’s nuclear enrichment program in Rome, which the country claims is for civilian use, but many Western nations believe is designed to allow the country to quickly build nuclear weapons. 

Both countries had described the talks as “constructive,” however, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said the U.S. should “avoid any unrealistic, undoable demands.” 

A third round of talks is expected this weekend, however, the U.S. has also been increasing its military footprint in the region, particularly bombers and other strike craft, as well as reinforcing Israel’s air defense capabilities. Some analysts suggest this move is a precaution in case the talks collapse. Trump previously warned that if Iran failed to reach a deal, a military strike could be on the table.

“If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing – and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” Trump told NBC News’ Meet The Press at the end of March. 

Trump in a strong warning to Iran: "If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing — and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before." pic.twitter.com/1qi5TfmUQ1

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 30, 2025

Meanwhile, oil prices climbed more than 1% on Wednesday, after seeing a previous rise on Tuesday following the announcement of the new sanctions.