A first: United States imposes sanctions on China for Iranian oil

According to the US Treasury Department, for the first time, the United States has imposed restrictions on China for purchasing oil subject to US sanctions.

The sanctions were imposed on the Chinese petrochemical refinery Shandong Shouguang Luqing, which bought Iranian oil in violation of international restrictions.

It's the first time the United States has punished China for its cooperation with Tehran in the energy sector.

The US Treasury Department claims the Chinese company bought millions of barrels of oil worth around $500 million. The deliveries were made by ships from the phantom fleet.

The oil in question is linked to Iranian military structures, notably the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The CEO of the company has also been sanctioned.

(MH with FM - Source: Agency - Photo: ©Unsplash)