Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تستهدف مصفاة صينية بسبب شراء النفط الإيراني

The United States has sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, China’s second-largest “teapot” or independent refinery, for purchasing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil. This action was announced by the US Treasury Department on Friday, coinciding with potential new talks aimed at resolving the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. According to Al Jazeera, Hengli is considered one of Tehran’s most valued customers, significantly contributing to the Iranian military’s revenue through crude oil purchases.

In addition to targeting Hengli, the US has imposed sanctions on approximately 40 shipping firms and vessels believed to be part of Iran’s shadow fleet. The Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, condemned the sanctions, urging the US to cease politicizing trade and using sanctions as a weapon against Chinese companies. China sources over half of its oil from the Middle East and purchased more than 80 percent of Iran’s shipped oil last year, according to analytics firm Kpler.

The US Navy has blockaded Iranian ports since April 13, a move President Donald Trump claims aims to limit Iran’s oil and gas export revenues. The sanctions come at a time when China’s independent refineries, known as “teapots” for their shape, are under pressure due to high replacement costs and a strained global market.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated the commitment to target the network supporting Iran’s oil trade, warning that any individuals or vessels involved in facilitating these transactions risk exposure to US sanctions. The sanctions against Hengli and other refineries are part of a broader strategy that has seen the Treasury previously sanction other independent refineries in China as well.