U.S. Imposes Sanctions on 29 Iranian Vessels and Associated Companies

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the imposition of new sanctions targeting 29 vessels within Iran"s shadow fleet, along with the companies that own them. This action is part of ongoing efforts to curb the transport of Iranian petroleum products, which are valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Key Details

The sanctions specifically target a network of vessels that have been linked to the illicit transportation of Iranian oil. Among the sanctioned vessels are:

• AETHER SAIL (IMO 9277371)
• NEBULA DRIFT (IMO 9233973)
• TIDAL RHYTHM (IMO 9297101)
• VOYAGER HAVEN (IMO 9271896)
• ARIHANT (IMO 9464156)
• KURDOS (IMO 9236731)
• KURDOS II (IMO 9453729)
• KURDOS III (IMO 9380570)
• KASSIA (IMO 9409986)
• MAJESTY (IMO 9430715)
• FLORA DOLCE (IMO 9258595)
• DIANA (IMO 9255945)
• J M A (IMO 9246487)
• S M A (IMO 9273002)
• M K A (IMO 9269403)
• AUROURA (IMO 9262912)
• RAMYA (IMO 9363182)
• FOSHAN (IMO 9404572)
• HEMERA (IMO 9263954)
• NOMIKI (IMO 9242443)
• MARUTI (IMO 9546710)
• GOLDEN EAGLE (IMO 9255684)

In addition to the vessels, the sanctions also target Egyptian businessman Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim Sakr, whose companies are linked to seven of the 29 vessels sanctioned. The action also encompasses multiple shipping companies, which include:

• Phoenix Ship Management FZE
• Arihant Shipping Inc.
• Kurdos Shipping Inc.
• Adonis Shipping Inc.
• Concord Shipping Inc.
• Rukbat Marine Services Co
• Aleah Shipping Inc.
• J M A Shipping Inc.
• S M A Shipping Inc.
• M K A Shipping Inc.
• Golden Gate Ship Management
• Darya Shipping Private Limited
• Sinostar Marine Group Limited
• Hemera Lines Inc.
• Agape Shipping Inc.
• Maruti Shipping Inc.
• Everest Sea Navigation SA

Background

The U.S. has been actively enforcing sanctions against Iran, particularly focusing on its oil exports, which are a significant source of revenue for the Iranian government. The shadow fleet refers to a group of vessels that operate outside of international regulations and are often used to transport oil from Iran in defiance of sanctions. The recent sanctions reflect the U.S. government"s commitment to disrupt these operations and limit Iran"s ability to generate income from its petroleum products.

What"s Next

The sanctions are expected to have a significant impact on the operations of the targeted vessels and companies. By restricting their access to the international financial system and global shipping routes, the U.S. aims to further isolate Iran economically. This move is part of a broader strategy to counter Iran"s influence in the region and to enforce compliance with international sanctions.

For more information on related coverage, see recent developments regarding U.S. sanctions and international relations.