US broadens Iran targeting as it sanctions dozens of ‘ghost fleet’ tankers and companies

"While sanctions have not stopped designated tankers from trading — nor Iran’s oil from flowing to its customers, particularly in China — they do raise hurdles and impose costs that ultimately reduce the revenue Tehran collects.

The 23 vessels sanctioned on Friday were “notorious offenders, transporting millions of barrels of oil for Iran”, said Claire Jungman, chief of staff at US monitoring group United Against Nuclear Iran.

“We expect these sanctions to delay deliveries and add tremendous costs to Iran.”