US sanctions China's 'teapot' refinery & 40 shipping companies over Iran oil trade

The United States has imposed sanctions on a China-based oil refinery and around 40 shipping companies and tankers linked to Iranian oil transport. The move targets what Washington describes as an extensive "shadow network" used to move Iranian crude to global markets. The sanctions are part of a wider effort to restrict Iran's oil income and disrupt its oil trade, limiting revenue flows supporting its regional operations.