The United States has expanded sanctions targeting Iran’s oil and cryptocurrency sectors, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions.

The US Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that the new measures target the petroleum shipping network linked to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, describing it as a key facilitator of Iran’s oil exports.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also disclosed that authorities had frozen about 130 million dollars held in digital wallets linked to Iran’s Central Bank.

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions are part of Washington’s efforts to increase pressure on Iran following renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest action targets more than 50 individuals, entities and vessels allegedly involved in supporting Iran’s oil trade, bringing the total number of sanctioned individuals, entities and vessels linked to the network to more than 200.

Bessent said the United States would continue to pursue financial networks that generate revenue for the Iranian government.

The development comes amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, with continued military exchanges between the United States and Iran, alongside disruptions to shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz.