US Imposes Sanctions On Chinese Refinery And Others Over Iran Oil Purchases
Sanctions Have Been Imposed On 100 Individuals, Entities, And Vessels, Including A Chinese Independent Refinery And Terminal

The United States has imposed sanctions on around 100 individuals, entities, and vessels—including a Chinese independent refinery and an oil terminal—for aiding Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade, the administration of President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
The Treasury Department targeted the Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, an independent refinery in China’s Shandong Province, accusing it of purchasing millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2023. It also sanctioned Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal, a China-based operator managing a terminal at Lanshan Port, for handling over a dozen vessels from Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions. Among these tankers were the Kongm, Big Mag, and Voy, which reportedly transported several million barrels of Iranian oil to Rizhao.
According to the U.S., Iran’s oil network provides critical funding for Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs and for militant groups across the Middle East—a claim Iran denies, saying its nuclear activities are peaceful.
The sanctions were announced as Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement in Gaza, seen as the closest step yet toward ending a war that has drawn in regional powers, including Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.
Treasury officials said this marks the fourth round of sanctions against Chinese refiners continuing to buy Iranian oil. “The Treasury Department is degrading Iran’s cash flow by dismantling key elements of its energy export machine,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting after the announcement, Trump said Iran had expressed support for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and that Washington was willing to engage. “We’d like to see them rebuild their country too, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added, noting he would soon travel to the Middle East.
Despite sanctions, Iran’s oil exports remain high. United Against a Nuclear Iran, a watchdog group, reported that Iran exported about 63.2 million barrels of oil in September—its highest level this year—valued at roughly $4.26 billion, likely due to stockpiling before the potential reinstatement of UN sanctions.
The State Department also designated Jiangyin Foreversun Chemical Logistics, another China-based terminal, for receiving petrochemical products of Iranian origin.
In response, China’s embassy in Washington strongly criticized the move. Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing “firmly opposes the United States’ abuse of illegal unilateral sanctions” and urged Washington to “stop undermining normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Iran.” Liu added that China “will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”
Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately comment on the sanctions.
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