China Refuses to Enforce US Sanctions on Five Teapot Refineries
China’s Ministry of Commerce declares US sanctions against five ’teapot’ refineries violate international law, escalating Sino-US tensions over Iranian oil imports.
Sanctions
US Threatens Sanctions on Shipping Firms That Pay Iran Tolls
The Trump administration warns shipping companies they face sanctions if they pay Iran tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as Trump says he is ’not excited’ by Iran’s latest peace proposal.
Trump Signs Executive Order Expanding Cuba Sanctions, Citing Iran Ties as Threat to U.S. Security
Trump signs an executive order on May 1 expanding sanctions against the Cuban government and its affiliates, specifically citing Cuba’s relationship with Iran as a threat to U.S. national security.
U.S. Sanctions Chinese Independent Refinery for Buying Iranian Oil
The Trump administration sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical’s independent refinery in China for purchasing billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil, alongside sanctions on approximately 40 shipping companies operating in Iran’s shadow fleet.
US Eases Sanctions to Allow Venezuela to Cover Maduro's Legal Defense Fees
The United States has agreed to ease certain sanctions on Venezuela to allow the government to cover legal fees for former president Nicolás Maduro’s defense in a closely watched U.S. trial.