US sanctions third teapot refinery and, for the first time, Shandong oil terminals

The US Treasury designated Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, a third Chinese independent refinery, and three port terminal operators in Shandong province that it says bought or handled hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil. Treasury notes that teapot refineries, mostly in Shandong, buy the bulk of Iran's crude exports. It also sanctioned companies, vessels and, unusually, ship captains involved in Iranian shipments. It was the first US action against Shandong terminal operators.

This is a summary in our own words of the linked reporting. Allegations are those of the source. How we report.