Twenty-two tankers involved in Iranian oil and petrochemical trade have been sanctioned by the US.

Trump posted on Truth Social that they are currently in 'productive discussions' with the Islamic Republic of Iran, but also reminded them that oil prices are at record levels and the military is ready to act against them at any time. Trump confirmed that the blockade on Iran would remain in full force and effect, and reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.

President Trump added that he wants everybody to know that, “Iran is in very bad condition, both economically and militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!).”

Araghchi confirmed that indirect dialogue between Iranian and US representatives is ongoing, with messages being exchanged between the two sides. 'The negotiating process is ongoing, with messages being exchanged through intermediaries,' he added. He confirmed that Tehran had presented its proposal — the so-called seven-day plan — and that Iranian representatives had heard the US's views on it. “We are currently studying the US position, and I believe we will respond within the next few days,” stressed Iran’s foreign minister.

A deterioration in maritime security around Hormuz, 

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing amid a deterioration in maritime security around Hormuz, with maritime security now at its most perilous in the region since the early days of the conflict. This has led to freight costs reaching unprecedented levels and national oil companies offering steep discounts on oil prices in order to secure sales.

Related: Trump threatens to blow up Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub

New sanctions on 17 shadow fleet vessels

On Thursday, the Trump administration imposed new sanctions on 17 shadow fleet vessels responsible for transporting millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, as well as petroleum and petrochemical products, to various markets in South and East Asia, according to the US Treasury Department.

Sanctions against 17 'shadow fleet' vessels

The Department of State has announced sanctions against 17 'shadow fleet' vessels and their associated entities. The Treasury Department has warned that any entity facilitating money laundering or sanctions evasion on behalf of Iran risks being cut off from the US financial system.

Imposed blocking sanctions on 22 tankers

At the same time, the US has imposed blocking sanctions on 22 tankers linked to the Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade. The Treasury Department has targeted 17 of the vessels, while the State Department has targeted five, according to a US Treasury statement.  The Treasury action covers the following vessels: PARITOSH, BITU, STARWAY, GAS LUCKY, G SPRING, KANHA, KING CHAIN, POLAR, MACKEREL, GAS MARAKUA, ZIXUAN, AVA 6, TINA 5, SOGL, NOBLE SEA, SHENZHEN and EXFLAME.

The State Department's action has had an impact on five vessels. 

The five vessels affected by the action taken by the State Department are the YONG TAI, the YASHAR, the ARGO MARIS, the BLACK MAYA, and the ATHENA NOVA. The measures also target ten entities and six individuals.  

The SHENZHEN transported more than 3.5 million barrels of Iranian crude oil in November 2025, while the TINA 5 transported more than 1.5 million barrels in August 2026. The STARWAY transported over 3 million barrels of naphtha from 2025, while the NOBLE SEA carried over 2 million barrels of ammonia and propane-butane from mid-2025, as well as 200,000 barrels of methanol in June 2026.  

Kanha transported over 3 million barrels of high-sulphur fuel oil from 2021, while King Chain carried several million barrels of methanol from 2023. The five ships linked to the US State Department were connected to UK-based One Plus International Co Ltd, UAE-based Horizon Ship Management FZE, and Hessonite Ship Management LLC. The YONG TAI loaded Iranian methanol in December 2025, as well as loading petrochemicals on at least 12 other occasions between 2024 and 2026. The YASHAR loaded liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at least three times in 2025 and 2026, while the ARGO MARIS loaded petroleum products at least eight times between January and August 2026. 

 Turkish companies

Turkish companies Noorzad Petrokimya Urunleri Nakiyon Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, BGZ Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi and Tuter Plastik Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi are among the other targets. So are UAE-based ArabianPro Materials FZCO, Indian companies SSPL Solutions Private Limited and Samudra Marine Services Private Limited, and Iran-based Padideh Plastic Poshtiban Company.  

The trade values

The trade values that were cited were $3.8 million for Noorzad Petrokimya, $2 million for Arabian Pro, $2 million for SSPL Solutions, about $20 million for BGZ, including $2 million sourced from Padideh, and about $3.5 million for Tuter Plastik.  The six individuals are the Turkish national Said Ahmad Noorzad and the Indian nationals Dhwani Nisarg Vora, Nisarg Samir Vora, Ketan Manohar Kochikar, Bhupendrasingh Dhalsingh Sahu, and Harishyam Hariharan Chundakattil.  OFAC permitted certain wind-down transactions involving Samudra Marine Services until 12:01 a.m. US Eastern Time on 23 October. 

#Turkish companies#DonaldTrumb#The Treasury Department# five ships #The SHENZHEN#Iran strike #Hormuz #Blockade