U.S. Targets Iran–China Oil Pipeline in Dual Sanctions Move on Shipping and Finance

The United States escalated its pressure campaign on Iran Friday, pairing maritime sanctions with a parallel strike on the financial channels that convert oil sales into cash, in what officials described as a coordinated effort to tighten the entire Iran–China energy trade chain.

The State Department confirmed sanctions on China-based Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd., accusing the operator of importing “tens of millions of barrels” of Iranian crude since early 2025 and facilitating billions of dollars in revenue flows to Tehran through ship-to-ship transfers and other deceptive shipping practices.

Officials said the terminal accepted cargoes linked to sanctioned vessels engaged in