Washington: The White House has stated that it is deeply concerned about the untrackable Chinese ships that are carrying Iran’s oil in violation of U.S. sanctions.
According to two senior officials, they have been messaging very heavily to the shipping companies warning them not to do it.
“We are telling them it’s not worth it. It’s incredibly dangerous and irresponsible behavior,” they said.
After US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran, China is the largest remaining buyer of Iranian oil. Trump tightened U.S. sanctions in May in an effort to drive Iran’s oil sales to zero.
Reportedly, after the sanctions, the oil exports of Iran have fallen to less than 400,000 barrels per day from about 2.5 million bpd.
The sanctions are aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program and influence in Syria, Iraq and other countries.
The International Maritime Organization requires vessels to use transponders for safety and transparency. Crews can turn off the devices if there is a danger of piracy or similar hazards. But transponders are often shut off to conceal a ship’s location during illicit activities.
Global News 
Leave a comment