U.S. Department of State
09/02/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/02/2025 08:58
Sanctioning Smugglers of Iranian Oil through Iraq
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Sanctioning Smugglers of Iranian Oil through Iraq
Press Statement
Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson
September 2, 2025
Today, the United States is acting decisively to stem the flow of revenues to the Iranian regime for its destructive and destabilizing conduct in Iraq, the Middle East, and around the world.
Among those sanctioned today are a network of companies and vessels led by businessman Waleed al-Samarra'i (al-Samarra'i), a dual citizen of Iraq and Saint Kitts and Nevis, for smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil.
The United States will continue to pursue measures implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which directs the imposition of maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to deny it access to revenues that fund its destabilizing activities. We will not hesitate to utilize all available tools at our disposal to counter those who enable Iran's illicit oil trade.
Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets those operating in certain sectors of the Iranian economy, including Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. For more information on today's action, please see the Department of the Treasury press releases.
Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Iraq Office of the Spokesperson Saint Kitts and Nevis Sanctions and Designations Smuggling
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