The Americans have imposed significant sanctions on Iran and its allies in order to dry up the funds used, according to Washington, to create instability in the Middle East. Iranian oil sales in Southeast Asia have financed armed groups close to Tehran, notably the Palestinian Islamist group of Hamas and the Yemeni rebellion of Houthissaid the senior US Treasury official on condition of anonymity.
Oil cargoes were sent to buyers in the region by sea near Singapore and Malaysia. “ Iran’s ability to transport its oil has relied on these types of suppliers based in Malaysia. We want to have a direct discussion with Malaysians about this », added the senior official.
“ Stopping these oil shipments will be a decisive blow to Iran’s ability to finance these attacks around the world, including Houthi attacks that currently threaten commercial shipping. “, he said. The US Treasury will work with shipping operators and banking officials in Singapore and Malaysia to put a stop to these sales, the official further assured.
Washington also wants prevent Malaysia from becoming a territory where Hamas thinks it can both collect funds and transfer them “, he clarified. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said last month that Washington was working to reduce Iran’s ability to export oil, saying it could “ do more “.
