Iran says indirect talks with U.S. on ceasefire proposal continue
Iran says the U.S. is seeking changes to a seven-day ceasefire proposal Trump rejected last month as indirect talks continue.
Key points
- The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Panamanian-Greek law firm Karnakis and Karnakis over Iran's "shadow fleet".
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said facilitators of the Iranian regime will be found and sanctioned.
- Singapore- and UAE-based shipping agents and a cargo vessel fleet were also sanctioned.
The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions on the Panamanian-Greek law firm Karnakis and Karnakis, accusing it of involvement in Iran's "shadow fleet" as part of its Operation Economic Outcast. The Treasury said the firm has been indirectly involved in Iran's illicit shipping operations for years. A "shadow fleet" refers to oil tankers that hide their true ownership to evade sanctions.
What the Treasury said
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the U.S. will pursue anyone supporting the Iranian regime, whether at sea or in a law firm office. "Iran's facilitators must make a choice: Either you are with us or against us," he said, adding that the U.S. knows who they are and what they are doing and will keep taking action.
Whether you are conducting illegal oil transfers at sea or sitting in the corner office of a law firm, if you are supporting the Iranian regime, we will find you and sanction you
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Shipping agents also targeted
The Treasury also said it sanctioned Singapore- and UAE-based shipping agents, including a fleet of cargo vessels. It said the fleet has directly taken part in Iran's "shadow fleet" and "helped generate substantial revenue for the Iranian regime."
