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US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Energy Tycoon for Nuclear and Terror Financing


The goal is to cut off revenue streams supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its network of terror proxies, as stated by the Treasury Department.

The US government has implemented extensive sanctions on an Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) magnate and his extensive global network of companies and affiliates, alleging that they have helped facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars in oil and gas exports that finance Iran’s nuclear weapons program and terror proxies in the Middle East.

This action, carried out by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and announced on April 22, freezes all US-linked assets connected to Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his network, prohibiting Americans from engaging in business with them.

“Emamjomeh and his network attempted to export numerous shipments of LPG—including from the United States—to circumvent US sanctions and generate revenue for Iran,” stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “The United States is dedicated to holding accountable those who aim to provide the Iranian regime with the necessary funding to advance its destabilizing activities in the region and globally.”

These designations are part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign to cut off all avenues for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, dismantle its terror networks, and weaken its regional influence through heightened sanctions, law enforcement, and diplomatic isolation.

The individuals and entities facing sanctions are accused of contributing to revenue streams used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its regional proxies, which include terror organizations like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.

For more than a decade, Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his son, Meisam Emamjomeh—who is also sanctioned—have operated a clandestine LPG empire through a network of companies based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, according to the Treasury Department.

The sanctioned companies under their control include: Caspian Petrochemical FZE, Pearl Petrochemical FZE, and Worldwide LPG Limited. Additionally, at least nine other Iran-based companies—allegedly used to conceal shipments and evade sanctions—have also been identified in Treasury’s actions.

Any property or interests in property of the named individuals or entities within US jurisdiction are now frozen. Secondary sanctions may be imposed on non-US companies that continue to transact with the blacklisted entities.

This step comes as the United States and Iran participate in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Although progress has been indicated by both sides during talks in Muscat and Rome this month, the Treasury’s actions emphasize Washington’s position that sanctions relief will only follow verifiable constraints on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions.

Monday’s action follows previous April sanctions targeting Iranian entities associated with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its enrichment programs.

Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon has been a key aspect of Trump’s foreign policy, although he has shown willingness to allow civilian nuclear facilities as long as uranium enrichment is significantly reduced.

“I’m in favor of preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon,” Trump recently stated. “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. [But] I want Iran to thrive and be prosperous and exceptional.”
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, a recent U.N. watchdog report revealed that Tehran’s enrichment levels are close to weapons-grade, causing concern in Washington, Tel Aviv, and European capitals. US officials have cautioned that Iran may be just months away from being able to assemble several nuclear warheads.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff have been conducted in a positive environment and that the overall process is making progress.

A third round of talks is scheduled for April 26 in Oman.



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