Sanctions

Russian ghost fleet tankers are reportedly using 'Mad Max' nets for defense. These measures are being employed to protect vessels that are under sanctions from Ukraine’s vast maritime drone campaign.

Trump is pivoting back to sanctions against Iran as other strategies aimed at ending his war have failed. He noted that he began this conflict after 50 years of economic pressure was unsuccessful in stopping Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions.

In April 2026, the United Arab Emirates shut down a network of money changers connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after thousands of reprisal strikes across the Gulf following a US attack on Iran. These Iranian exchange houses and related shell companies operated in Dubai for over a decade, facilitating the laundering of billions and helping Iran evade sanctions. The article notes that Washington’s pivotal Gulf ally proved useful in this fallout.

New Zealand announced additional sanctions targeting individuals and entities that support Russia’s war against Ukraine. This action followed the passage of a new bill in the US Senate concerning Russia's oil and gas revenues.

China has imposed export controls and sanctions against American companies in response to recent U.S. measures, highlighting an expanded economic strategy. Analysts note the 'breadth and depth' of China's retaliatory actions, contrasting with its past approach.

An interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz is under consideration, with experts analyzing potential short and long-term costs, including shifts in Iran's control over the strait and impacts on U.S. sanctions. An operational pause, not a ceasefire, is currently in place, and negotiations remain challenging, with both sides describing the situation differently.

The Guardian reports that France's Puy du Fou theme park continued working with a Russian oligarch after sanctions were imposed and has ties to Vladimir Putin. Critics claim it rewrites history and serves as a political park.

China has imposed sanctions and tightened drone export rules in response to the US, escalating tensions ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned September trip. The retaliatory measures highlight growing Sino-American conflicts.

Chinese and Western firms are increasing collaboration despite geopolitical tensions and government measures like tariffs and sanctions. Corporate deal-making is thriving as multinational executives prioritize business interests over political conflicts.

Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to receive a red-carpet welcome in Thailand amid international sanctions and domestic opposition. His 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s government sparked a civil war with significant civilian casualties and economic decline.

Zelensky said Ukraine will push to end Russia’s war before winter by combining diplomacy, sanctions, and medium- and long-range strikes. He cautioned that the timing cannot be guaranteed and accused Putin of preparing to prolong the conflict.

An Italy-led EU naval mission boarded a sanctioned tanker linked to Russia’s 'shadow fleet' in the Mediterranean, part of a broader European effort to enforce sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil exports. This marks the second such operation in under two weeks.

Rep. Jonathan Jackson warns that Trump administration policies toward Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba risk worsening Caribbean instability by ending Haitian Temporary Protected Status, maintaining sanctions on Venezuela, and applying pressure on Cuba. He advocates for greater transparency in US policy toward Venezuela and highlights the region's destabilization risks.

A Reuters investigation found that Iran's Revolutionary Guards used illicit gambling networks to circumvent sanctions, moving $4 billion through betting websites despite gambling being illegal in the Islamic Republic. The operation continued during the war.

The European Union sanctioned 14 Chinese companies for allegedly supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. China responded swiftly and fiercely, surprising EU officials despite having been notified of the sanctions months earlier.

The Trump administration's inconsistent use of sanctions has weakened a key U.S. foreign policy tool. This inconsistency has undermined the effectiveness of America's sanctions as a strategic weapon.

The Sanctions Bill would grant Trump extensive new tariff powers. The president has expressed a preference for using tariffs over sanctions as an economic weapon.

The US Senate approved sanctions against Russia's energy revenues, financial networks, and shadow fleet with an 86–12 bipartisan vote. The measure was supported as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky observed the proceedings in the chamber.

The Senate advanced a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at Russia and Iran, fulfilling part of Sen. Lindsey Graham's legacy. The legislation targets Russian oil and gas sales, imposes tariffs on Russian imports, and includes sanctions against officials, with provisions for President Donald Trump to adjust aspects of the sanctions.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged the removal of all sanctions imposed on Syria during the era of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad. Syria's new authorities, who took power in December 2024, aim to reboot the economy and rebuild infrastructure and institutions.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to add provisions to penalize Iran to a Russia sanctions bill. President Trump supported adding Iran sanctions to the bipartisan legislation via social media.

The European Union has agreed to impose the 21st round of sanctions on Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

US Congress is considering tariffs, port fees, and sanctions to counter China’s dominance in the shipbuilding industry. Lawmakers from both parties view China’s commercial shipbuilding leadership as an economic and national security threat, though witnesses caution that penalties may not be sufficient.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated potential sanctions against open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models if they use stolen US intellectual property, specifically targeting Chinese developers accused of creating low-cost systems with such IP. The administration supports open-source models but opposes IP theft, with the ability to sanction overseas models exploiting US companies' innovations.

Syrian Jews, including a son of Palestinian refugees and a Jewish cantor, have formed an unlikely alliance to lobby the US to lift sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the new government and enable exiles to return to their former homes.

The 69th ECOWAS summit took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Julius Maada Bio urged for significant reforms. Senegal's Head of State assumed the rotating ECOWAS presidency, and Guinea criticized the organization's recent sanctions.

A bipartisan survey reveals strong US support for increased sanctions against Russia, measures targeting officials involved in abducting Ukrainian children, penalties for foreign companies trading with Moscow, and expanded US–Ukraine defense cooperation.

The US has ended sanctions on nine Hong Kong and mainland Chinese officials, including Paul Lam Ting-kwok, described as a friendly gesture to improve relations following a May meeting between the two presidents. Observers note the move is significant but highlight that sanctions remain in place for many others.

U.S. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno proposes legislation to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke impacting U.S. air quality, while President Donald Trump criticizes Canada's forest management. Canadian officials deny blame, stating their priority is Ontarian safety and highlighting mutual wildfire challenges.

US Republicans are threatening Canada with sanctions due to wildfire smoke drifting into the United States, causing hazardous air quality. Donald Trump blamed Canada for the smoke and plans to contact Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the issue.

Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio proposes a bill to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke affecting US air quality, including asset blocks, financial restrictions, and visa revocations. The bill requires President Donald Trump to assess the harm and remove sanctions once Canada addresses the issue.

Ukraine claims to have struck 159 Russian shadow fleet vessels over 12 days, including 12 on July 17, to disrupt oil and cargo shipments bypassing sanctions by disabling rather than sinking the ships.

The article highlights the United States' struggle to develop a trained workforce for economic security challenges, such as competition over supply chains, chips, and sanctions. It is part of a series by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and War on the Rocks examining economic statecraft integration into national security.

Sudan is facing new sanctions due to mounting evidence of atrocities. However, countries are avoiding directly sanctioning foreign actors involved in the war.

Reza Zarrab, a key cooperating witness in the U.S. government's investigation into Turkey's Halkbank's alleged role in Iran sanctions evasion, avoided prison time and was sentenced to time served. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman ordered the sentence, with prosecutors emphasizing his cooperation in the case.

Iran's oil exports are continuing as usual despite the US ending its 60-day sanctions waiver. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated the country has maintained a framework to neutralize the impact of Washington's sanctions on Tehran.

Adeleke seeks a visa ban and sanctions against Oyetola and others over political violence in Osun. The governor reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on political violence.

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences following the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11 at age 71. Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times during the Russian invasion and met with Zelensky twice in the past week, focusing on bipartisan support and expanding sanctions against Russia.

Leaders from NATO allies, Ukraine, and Israel praised U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham for his support of trans-Atlantic relations, Ukraine, and Israel. Graham, who visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia's 2022 invasion, secured sanctions against Russia with the Trump administration. Tributes highlighted his advocacy for NATO's eastern flank, democratic values, and the U.S.-Israel alliance, while Iran's state media reacted hostilely to his death.

Sen. Lindsey Graham announced White House support for tougher sanctions on Russia, stating that increased Ukrainian military capabilities and pressure on China could compel Moscow to negotiate. The proposal links enhanced firepower for Ukraine and economic measures to a potential resolution of the conflict.