Sanctions

Cryptocurrency platforms facilitated Iran's evasion of sanctions, US suspects

US authorities are examining whether crypto platforms helped Iranian officials evade sanctions, as digital currency use in Iran surged to billions of dollars last year.

A Bitcoin is seen on the background of the Iranian flag (illustrative)
A PERSON walks past a sign at a currency exchange, as the value of the Iranian Rial drops, in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2025.

US issues sanctions on six Iranian officials for crackdown on protesters as rial hits record low

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled "US Policy Towards Venezuela", on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 28, 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio bans senior Iranian officials, families from being in US

An illustration of the flags of Cuba and the US, with a rift in between.

Trump threatens tariffs on any nation supplying Cuba with oil


Trump eases Venezuela oil sanctions to boost US investment

The Trump administration eases some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, allowing US companies to invest, but excludes firms from China, Russia, and other rivals.

An illustration of oil rigs over a background of a Venezuelan flag.

US handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say

The US hands back the Panama‑flagged M/T Sophia to Venezuela, marking the first reversal of such a seizure under the Trump administration.

The Guinea-flagged oil tanker MT Bandra, which is under sanctions, is partially seen alongside another vessel at El Palito terminal, near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela December 29, 2025; illustrative.

US sanctions UK-based Palestine activist and purported Hamas member due to terror ties

Birawi is sanctioned for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for the The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad.

Zaher Birawi of the Palestinian Forum in Britain at the End Apartheid-Free Palestine rally in London, United Kingdom, May 14, 2022

French Navy intercepts sanctioned Russian tanker in Mediterranean

The interception was carried out on high seas in the Western Mediterranean, between the southern coast of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco.

An aerial view shows the oil tanker named Boracay (also called Pushpa), a vessel being investigated by French authorities and suspected of belonging to the so-called "shadow fleet" involved in the Russian oil trade, off the coast of the western France port of Saint-Nazaire, France, October 2, 2025.

European Parliament adopts resolution condemning Iran’s brutal treatment of protesters

The resolution came following a heated debate on Tuesday, where the motion’s proponents decried the recent human rights violations against protesters in Iran.

Iranian flags with Reza Pahlavi and the Eiffel Tower in the background, in Paris, France, January 18, 2026

US targets Hamas-linked charities, saying covert use of civilian groups endangers Palestinians

The measures are intended to disrupt covert channels and strengthen oversight of charitable networks, according to OFAC.

Hamas terrorists in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip December 3, 2025.

US sanctions Iran officials over protests crackdown, Israel Katz declares Iranian bank terror org.

In a parallel action to the US sanctions, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued an official statement defining the Iranian State Bank Melli as a terrorist organization. 

 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Washington, June 24, 2025; illustrative.

Trump says no more Venezuelan oil or money to go to Cuba, pushes for deal

Trump said no more Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba, escalating pressure on Havana amid shifting US-Venezuela ties.

A 3D printed miniature of US President Donald Trump and Cuban flag are seen in this illustration taken January 9, 2026.

Iranian Defense Ministry offers contracts via crypto in attempt to bypass sanctions

Iran’s Defense Ministry export body is offering cryptocurrency payments for military contracts, signaling a new way to bypass sanctions on arms sales.

 An Iranian missile is displayed during a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.

US targets crude oil tankers, firms in new Venezuela-related sanctions, Treasury website shows

The United States imposed new sanctions on four companies and oil tankers linked to Venezuela’s oil sector, as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

An illustration of oil rigs over a background of a Venezuelan flag.