WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Washington Thursday named several companies as part of a network helping Iran evade oil embargoes and sanctions on the country's nuclear activities.
The joint statement by the U.S. Treasury and State departments comes after the United States and other Western countries reached an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.
"Today's actions should be a stark reminder to businesses, banks, and brokers everywhere that we will continue relentlessly to enforce our sanctions, even as we explore the possibility of a long-term, comprehensive resolution of our concerns with Iran's nuclear program," said David S. Cohen, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
The action freezes the assets of companies and individuals the United States charges helped Iran trade or transport its crude oil or that were front companies used in development of its nuclear weapons program. Individuals and companies are now prohibited from doing business with the designated companies or some of their employees.
Among those companies named are Mid Oil Asia and Singa Tankers, both based in Singapore, which Treasury said helped Iran transfer funds to banks outside of Iran.
Ferland Co. Ltd. was designated, the statement said, because it was involved in the ship-to-ship transfer of Iranian crude oil in March. Vitaly Sokolenko, general manager of the Ukraine-based company also was sanctioned.
The State Department said it was targeting five Iranian companies that allegedly provided technology or services for the development of the Iranian nuclear program.
Among those was Eyvaz Technic Manufacturing Co., which the State Department said had provided components for centrifuges since 2008.
Also named was Negin Parto Khavar, which allegedly worked to broker several deals for components for Iran's heavy water research reactor.
