The US government has taken a major step in its efforts to curb Iran's military activities by imposing new sanctions on the country's oil trade. The move targets vessels involved in transporting Iranian crude, as well as companies and individuals who facilitate these transactions.
As part of an accelerating campaign that began in early 2026, the US government has already targeted dozens of ships, companies, and individuals suspected of being involved in Iran's oil export operations.
The sanctions aim to disrupt Iran's ability to finance its military operations through the sale of oil. This is a critical aspect of the country's military strategy, as it allows the IRGC to generate significant revenue from oil sales.
In addition to targeting Iran's oil trade, the US government has also taken action against entities involved in facilitating payments for these transactions. This includes freezing $344 million in crypto assets connected to Iranian networks in April 2026.
The impact of these sanctions on institutional investors is significant. Exchanges and custodians that can demonstrate robust screening for sanctioned wallets and entities will have a meaningful competitive advantage as regulatory expectations tighten.