The U.S. imposed sanctions on about 100 individuals, entities and vessels, including a Chinese independent refinery and terminal, that helped Iran’s oil and petrochemicals trade, the administration of President Donald Trump said on Thursday.

The Treasury Department sanctioned the Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, which it said is an independent teapot refinery in Shandong Province that has purchased millions of barrels of Iranian oil since 2023.

As directed by @POTUS’ maximum pressure campaign, Treasury is dismantling key elements of Iran’s complex energy export machine.

Treasury is targeting a network involved in moving hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas, nearly two dozen shadow…

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) October 9, 2025

It also sanctioned China-based Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal, which operates a terminal at Lanshan Port. Treasury said it has accepted more than a dozen of Iran’s so-called shadow fleet vessels that evade the sanctions.

The tankers included Kongm, Big Mag, and Voy, which Treasury said transported several million barrels of Iranian oil to Rizhao.

The U.S. believes Iran’s oil networks help Tehran fund its nuclear and missile programs and support militant proxies throughout the Middle East. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The sanctions came even as Israel and Hamas signed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, which if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon.

Treasury said it was the fourth round of sanctions in which the administration targeted China-based refineries that continue to purchase Iranian oil.

“The Treasury Department is degrading Iran’s cash flow by dismantling key elements of Iran’s energy export machine,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Trump, at a Cabinet meeting in the White House after the sanctions were released, said Iran told the administration it was in favor of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal and that the U.S. would work with Tehran.

“We’d like to see them be able to rebuild their country too, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” said Trump, who said on Thursday he will be leaving for the Middle East soon.

Despite waves of U.S. sanctions, Iran continues to export large amounts of oil.

United Against a Nuclear Iran, which tracks the country’s petroleum shipments, said Iran’s oil exports in September set a new high for the year of about 63.2 million barrels, worth about $4.26 billion. UANI said September’s growth in sales was likely due to stockpiling ahead of the resumption of U.N. sanctions on Iran.

The State Department said the U.S. also designated the first China-based terminal, Jiangyin Foreversun Chemical Logistics, for receiving Iranian-origin petrochemical products.

The Chinese embassy in Washington and Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reuters)

The post US imposes sanctions on China refinery, others for Iran oil purchases appeared first on Newswire.

The United Kingdom, Canada and other allies announced sanctions Tuesday on two hardline Israeli government ministers for repeatedly “inciting violence against Palestinians,” in a stark joint move that comes amid growing Western condemnation of Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will face a travel ban and an asset freeze, the UK government said.

Ben Gvir and Smotrich both lead far-right political parties that help keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile government coalition afloat. Both men have faced criticism for their inflammatory comments about the occupied West Bank as well as their positions on the war in Gaza.

The sanctions are being jointly implemented by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK, according to a joint statement by the five countries’ foreign ministers.

“We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion,” the joint statement said.

“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,” the statement added. “We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.”

The sanctions imposed by the five Western nations represent a break in policy with the United States. While European and Commonwealth allies have increasingly put pressure on Netanyahu’s government, the Trump administration has repeatedly reaffirmed the US-Israel alliance. The US has also called for the conflict in Gaza to end, but last week, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

While the sanctions are in relation to the West Bank, the Western allies’ joint statement added that “of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid.”

Smotrich and Ben Gvir both live in settlements in the West Bank, which Palestinians and the vast majority of the international community hold as part of a future Palestinian state.

Both ministers responded defiantly to the travel bans and financial sanctions on Tuesday afternoon, vowing to continue their agenda and accusing Britain of echoing its colonial-era restrictions on Jewish migration to British-mandate Palestine.

Ben Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power party, said that “the sanctions do not scare me,” adding, “I will continue to act for our country, for our people, I will continue to act and make sure that they do not let humanitarian aid into Hamas.”

Smotrich, speaking during the inauguration of the new Jewish settlement of Mitzpe Ziv in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, said that he “heard that Britain has decided to impose sanctions on me because I’m thwarting the establishment of a Palestinian state. There couldn’t be better timing than this.”

“Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not let it happen again. With God’s help, we are determined to continue building,” said Smotrich, who leads the National Religious Party–Religious Zionism.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the government will hold a “special meeting” early next week “to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision.”

“It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to this kind of measure,” Saar said.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said in their statement: “The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas. Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world.”

Ben Gvir quit Netanyahu’s government in January to protest the ceasefire in Gaza, only rejoining the government after Israel returned to war in March. He has repeatedly called for Palestinians to be driven out of Gaza and previously said Israel should “encourage voluntary migration of Gazans to countries around the world.”

Smotrich, who as finance minister has a seat on the Israeli security cabinet and holds significant sway over Netanyahu, has previously called for the formal annexation of settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In May, he said his idea of victory in Gaza would be that the territory is “destroyed” and civilians are moved to a “humanitarian zone” in the south of the strip or leave for third countries.

Last month, UK Foreign Minister David Lammy slammed Smotrich’s comments on the possible destruction and cleansing of Gaza, telling British lawmakers: “It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”

At the time, the UK paused trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, but stopped short of sanctioning the far-right Israeli minister. (CNN)

The post UK, Canada and Western allies sanction two far-right Israeli government ministers appeared first on Newswire.

Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has defended former head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Shavendra Silva, stating that the recent sanctions by the United Kingdom (UK) were unreasonable. 

Addressing a public event, Fonseka said that he believed legal action must be initiated against anyone proven to have broken local and international laws.

“There are instances in the past where we have taken such measures against military personnel. Legal action must be taken against those who have abused the power of their uniforms to break laws,” he said. 

Commenting on the sanctions imposed by the UK, Sarath Fonseka said it was understood that no laws, including human rights, were violated during war operations. 

“Shavendra Silva was at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s Civil War. It is known that no murders, human rights violations, custodial deaths, or abuse of power took place during the war. As such, the sanctions against Shavendra Silva were unreasonable,” he said. 

He said that, however, the sanctions against former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and former Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya were reasonable. 

Stating that these officers were not at the forefront of the war, he said there was crucial evidence to prove that they had abused their military powers. 

“I have spoken in Parliament about these two former military officers. Former Army officer Sunil Rathnayake is accused of wrongly shooting a person, and as someone had witnessed the shooting, he killed several members of a family over the incident. He was later pardoned by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, under the protection of war veterans. Wasantha Karannagoda is accused of abducting several youths, demanding ransom, and detaining them at a Trincomalee camp. A former Navy Commander has confessed they were aware of the detention of the youths,” he said. 

Pointing out that these were serious murder incidents, Sarath Fonseka said legal action must be initiated against them. (Newswire)

The post “UK sanctions against Shavendra Silva unreasonable, others fair” – Sarath Fonseka appeared first on Newswire.

Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) General Secretary and former MP M.A. Sumanthiran has welcomed the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom (UK) Government on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces.

“We welcome the sanctions imposed by the UK today, which include former senior Sri Lankan military commanders, and a former LTTE military commander who later led the paramilitary Karuna Group, operating on behalf of the Sri Lankan military against the LTTE,” Sumanthiran said in a statement on ‘X’ on Monday.

The UK Government on 24 March announced it has imposed sanctions on four individuals responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lankan civil war.

The individuals sanctioned by the UK are former Head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander, Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Jagath Jayasuriya, and former military commander of the LTTE, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan aka Karuna Amman.

The UK Government said the measures, which include UK travel bans and asset freezes, target individuals responsible for a range of violations and abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, torture and/or perpetration of sexual violence, during Sri Lanka’s civil war. (Newswire)

The post Sumanthiran welcomes UK sanctions appeared first on Newswire.

Former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda has responded to the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom (UK) Government, stating that they were unjust sanctions.

Issuing a statement, Wasantha Karannagoda said these sanctions are not about justice but are a direct result of international political maneuvering.

“These sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings. Instead, they reflect the selective application of international pressure, targeting those who played key roles in Sri Lanka’s military victory,” he said.

The comments come after the UK Government recently imposed sanctions on former head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army Jagath Jayasuriya and former LTTE military commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman.

Announcing the sanctions, the UK Government said it was imposed for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lanka civil war; including extrajudicial killings, torture and/or perpetration of sexual violence.

Responding to the sanctions, former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda issued the following statement: 

For decades, I have served Sri Lanka with unwavering dedication, committed to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our people. I have stood firm in the face of challenges—whether on the battlefield, in matters of national security, or in defending our country against external interference. However, today, I find myself facing unjust sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, alongside General Jagath Jayasuriya,  GeneralShavendra de Silva. These sanctions are not about justice but are a direct result of international political maneuvering.

It was War Against Terrorism: A Fight for Survival

Sri Lanka did not seek war, but we had no choice when terrorism threatened to dismantle our nation. The LTTE, one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world, carried out massacres, assassinations, and suicide bombings, terrorizing innocent civilians for decades. While the international community remained passive, it was the Sri Lankan Armed Forces that made the difficult decision to put an end to this brutality.

I take pride in the role I played as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, ensuring that the LTTE’s international supply routes were destroyed. Without weapons, ammunition, and external support, their ability to continue fighting was significantly weakened. The decisive actions of the Navy, alongside the Army and Air Force, led to the eventual defeat of terrorism and the restoration of peace in Sri Lanka.

Selective Targeting and International Hypocrisy

These sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings. Instead, they reflect the selective application of international pressure, targeting those who played key roles in Sri Lanka’s military victory. The same foreign entities that now impose restrictions did nothing while Sri Lanka was under siege by terrorists. They ignored the atrocities committed by the LTTE, but now demand accountability from those who risked their lives to end a war that claimed thousands of innocent lives.

This double standard raises a critical question: Is this truly about human rights, or is it about political influence?

Sri Lanka’s challenges did not end with the defeat of terrorism. There have been numerous internal and external attempts to destabilize the country, often with foreign involvement. As someone who has always prioritized the security of this nation, I am well aware of the forces that have worked against our national interests. These include individuals who have misused their positions of power, collaborated with external actors, and sought to manipulate political outcomes for personal gain.

The events of May 9, 2022, serve as a stark reminder of how internal betrayal and foreign interference can converge to create chaos. If not for the swift and decisive actions of the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force that night, the country’s leadership and future would have been drastically altered. While others plotted, it was the dedication of our military personnel that prevented a complete breakdown of order.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to Sri Lanka. I have always placed my country above personal ambition, and I will continue to do so. No foreign government, no politically motivated sanction, and no internal betrayal can change my unwavering belief in this nation’s strength.

The people of Sri Lanka know the truth. They lived through the war, they witnessed the sacrifices made, and they understand who truly stood for the country in its time of need. These sanctions will not define my legacy or the legacy of those who genuinely defended this nation.

Sri Lanka has overcome greater challenges before, and we will do so again. As a nation, we must remain vigilant, united, and steadfast against all forces—both foreign and domestic—that seek to weaken us. (Newswire)

The post UK Sanctions : “International Hypocrisy” Karannagoda responds appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has categorically rejected the UK Government’s allegation of widespread human rights violations during military operations at the time of Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Issuing a statement, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the recent sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against Sri Lanka’s former Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and former Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya are over unproven allegations of human rights violations during the war with the LTTE.

Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he, as the Executive President of Sri Lanka, took a decision to militarily defeat the LTTE, and the armed forces implemented that decision on the ground. 

“Despite the 2002 ceasefire agreement, the LTTE had carried out 363 killings during the ceasefire between February 2002 and the end of September 2005. LTTE attacks intensified in the first few weeks and months after I was elected President in November 2005. Among the most serious such incidents were claymore mine attacks on 4 and 6 December 2005 in Jaffna that killed thirteen soldiers, a suicide attack on a naval craft on 5 January 2006 that killed 15 naval personnel, and the suicide attack on the Army Commander inside Army Headquarters in April 2006,” he said. 

The former President said, despite all that, his government held two rounds of peace talks in January and June 2006 in Geneva and Oslo, which were unilaterally halted by the LTTE. 

“The LTTE landmine attack on a civilian bus in Kebithigollewa in June 2006, which killed 64 and seriously injured 86, many of them children, was a pivotal moment for me and my government. Military operations commenced in July 2006 when the LTTE closed the Mawilaru anicut, cutting off irrigation water to cultivators in the Trincomalee district and did not stop until the LTTE was completely defeated on 19 May 2009,” he said.

The former President pointed out that Lord Naseby stated in the House of Lords on 12 October 2017 that the then UK Defence Attache in Colombo, Lieutenant Colonel Anton Gash, had in conversation with him, praised the discipline of the Sri Lanka army and stated that there certainly was no policy to kill civilians. 

“Because Lt. Col Anton Gash’s wartime dispatches to London differ so significantly from the narrative promoted by the UK political authorities, only a heavily redacted version of those dispatches has been released. We conducted military operations only against the LTTE and not against the Tamil people. 

“Just months after the war ended, when my wartime army commander came forward as the opposition candidate at the 2010 presidential elections, the Tamil National Alliance issued a statement on 6 January 2010 appealing to the Tamil people to vote for the former army commander and he won over 60% of the votes cast in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, thus directly contradicting the narrative being promoted by the UK Government,” he said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that imposing sanctions on Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, a.k.a Karuna Amman, who broke away from the LTTE in 2004 and later entered democratic politics, is a clear case of penalizing anti-LTTE Tamils so as to placate the dominant segment of the Tamil diaspora in the UK. 

“When the UK foreign secretary David Milliband came to Sri Lanka in April 2009 and demanded a halt to military operations, I flatly turned him down. Later, a London-based newspaper, The Telegraph, revealed – quoting secret documents made public by Wikileaks – that Mr. Miliband had tried to intervene in Sri Lanka to win Tamil votes for the Labour Party. Regrettably, to this day, vote bank politics determines the UK’s stand on Sri Lanka’s war against the LTTE. 

“Three decades of LTTE terrorism claimed the lives of 27,965 armed forces and police personnel, not to mention the lives of many thousands of civilians, including politicians. What Sri Lanka defeated in 2009 was the organization that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had officially designated as the deadliest terrorist organization in the world. It is noteworthy that the United Kingdom introduced special legislation in 2021 and 2023 to protect its own armed forces from persecution by interested parties,” he said. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa further said that he expects the present government to resolutely stand by and defend former armed forces personnel who face persecution by foreign governments and organisations for doing their duty to safeguard Sri Lanka’s national security. (Newswire)

The post UK sanctions : Wartime President Mahinda responds appeared first on Newswire.

• Media Release : Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry

UK FCDO Press Release entitled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism takes note of the Press Release dated 24th March 2025, issued by the UK, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) entitled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War”. As stated in the press release, the UK government has imposed sanctions on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces.

It is also noted that the UK FCDO Press Release refers to “a commitment made during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity”.

In this regard, the Ministry wishes to underline that this is a unilateral action taken by the UK government which involves an asset freeze and travel ban on the individuals concerned. Such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.

The government is in the process of strengthening domestic mechanisms on accountability and reconciliation and any past human rights violations should be dealt with through domestic accountability mechanisms.

The position of the Government of Sri Lanka was conveyed by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Colombo

26 March 2025

The post UK sanctions : Sri Lanka officially responds appeared first on Newswire.