With tensions high in the Middle East as US military forces threaten Iran, Washington’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has once again pressed the sanctions button, going after Tehran’s shadow fleet. “Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies,” said secretary of the treasury Scott Bessent. In total, another 12 Iran-linked vessels were sanctioned yesterday, as well as companies linked with operating them. Iran and US envoys are meeting in Geneva today for last‑ditch nuclear talks as Washington massing aircraft and warships in the Middle East to pressure Tehran.