14/04/2026
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14/04/2026
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WASHINGTON, Apr 14: The U.S. Treasury Department has identified banks in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and China as having allegedly facilitated Iranian-linked financial flows used for illicit activities, according to senior U.S. administration officials.
A senior official said the findings represent the first step toward potential secondary sanctions that could cut the institutions off from the U.S. financial system, underscoring Washington’s escalating campaign against Tehran’s financial networks.
The Treasury said it aims to “disable Iran’s ability” to fund what it described as terrorism, regional destabilization, and missile and nuclear-related programs, amid broader efforts to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also warned that companies and countries engaging in financial transactions linked to Iranian oil or shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could face secondary sanctions.
The announcement comes as Washington moves to allow a temporary waiver on Iranian oil sales to expire on April 19, a step officials say will further restrict Iran’s access to global energy markets. The waiver had previously permitted an estimated 140 million barrels of oil to reach international buyers, easing supply pressures.
Officials indicated that the broader policy shift reflects a renewed “maximum pressure” approach targeting Iran’s oil exports and financial networks, with additional sanctions tools available against institutions involved in facilitating such transactions. They also warned that any activity tied to Tehran could trigger further punitive measures, particularly in light of the reimposition of UN sanctions and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
