The United States government today announced sanctions against a China-based independent “teapot” refinery and a sprawling network of oil terminal operators, firms, vessels, and vessel captains, citing their involvement in purchasing and facilitating the delivery of Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co., Ltd., a refinery based in China, was specifically designated for its role in acquiring or enabling the transport of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. This action marks the third time the United States has sanctioned a China-based independent “teapot” refinery since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2) on February 4, 2025, which instituted measures targeting Iranian oil sales.
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In addition to Hebei Xinhai, the U.S. also designated three oil terminal operators. Numerous other firms, vessels, and vessel captains were targeted for their participation in facilitating the transportation of Iranian oil to China. U.S. officials described these entities and assets as part of Iran’s “shadow fleet,” which the U.S. government asserts is used to fund Iran’s destabilizing activities and support for terrorist proxies.
According to a press statement released today by the State Department, the sanctions are being imposed pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and E.O. 13846, which targets Iranian petroleum exports.
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The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to holding accountable both Iran and entities involved in sanctions evasion. “So long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its destabilizing activities, the United States will hold both Iran and all its partners in sanctions evasion accountable,” the statement read.
Today’s action represents the latest measure in the U.S. campaign to restrict Iran’s oil revenue streams since the implementation of NSPM-2.
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