- The US imposed sanctions on Iran-linked currency exchange houses and shell companies
- The sanctions target networks allegedly used to evade sanctions and transfer funds secretly
- The measures aim to dismantle financial lifelines supporting Iran's ruling elite
The US has imposed sanctions on Iran-linked currency exchange houses and shell companies that it says were used to evade sanctions and secretly transfer hundreds of millions of dollars, as the Trump administration steps up its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran.
Al-Jazeera reported that the US government said the measures are aimed at dismantling what it described as a network providing financial lifelines of Iran's ruling elite.
The State Department said the US Treasury had taken action against the illicit networks, which allegedly helped Iran move funds through currency exchange houses and shell companies. The statement did not name the specific entities targeted by the measures.
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"This action demonstrates the Trump Administration's continued maximum pressure on Iran by cutting off resources the regime uses to threaten regional stability, support terrorism, and advance its military capabilities," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Washington has increasingly focused on Iran's financial channels as part of its broader sanctions strategy, seeking to restrict the flow of funds that it says support the Iranian government's regional activities and military capabilities.
The latest action comes as the US seeks to tighten financial pressure on Tehran by targeting intermediaries that allegedly help the country circumvent existing sanctions and move funds through international financial networks. US officials have characterised such exchange houses and shell companies as key channels for Iran's access to foreign currency and the international financial system.
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Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could be nearing an end, while talks involving Oman over the Strait of Hormuz continue amid a global energy crisis triggered by the disruption of shipping through the strategic waterway.
"I think it's going to end pretty soon. I don't think they can go much longer," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday.
Trump also said he was involved in negotiations with Tehran and expressed confidence about the process. "I think we're doing fine," he said.
He added that petrol prices would fall once the conflict ends, linking an eventual de-escalation to easing pressure on global energy markets.
Iran, however, has denied that it is holding direct negotiations with Washington. Tehran has said it is engaging with Oman over arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, rather than negotiating directly with the US.
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