Trump Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Refiners and Ports Over Iranian Oil

The Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions on China’s Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group and three port operators for purchasing Iranian oil, reinforcing its “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran ahead of expected U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman.

Hebei Xinhai, one of China’s largest independent refiners outside Shandong province, was targeted along with Baogang (Dongying Donggang) Logistics, Shandong Jingang Port, and Shandong Baogang International Port. These firms were cited for operating a terminal at Dongying Port that received over one million barrels of Iranian crude.

The U.S. Treasury Department stated the companies facilitated transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian oil, undermining sanctions meant to cut off Iran’s revenue streams used for funding militant groups in the Middle East. The action follows similar sanctions on smaller Chinese refiners, which have led to disrupted oil imports and rebranding of exports.

Additional sanctions were placed on companies and vessels linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” including Star Twinkle Shipping, Hong Kong Prime Trading, Embrace Que, Nissho Lines, Propitous Forever Trading, and Skadi Limited. Blocked tankers include STAR TWINKLE 6, LAMD, SKADI, IMPALAS, BIG MAG, and THANE.

The sanctions freeze U.S. assets of those listed and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized Washington’s intent to tighten pressure on Iran’s oil supply chain.

China’s embassy in Washington condemned the sanctions as illegal “long-arm jurisdiction,” while analysts noted the measures are incremental and stop short of targeting Chinese state-owned enterprises. Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to continue over the weekend in Oman.