U.S. Sanctions Iranian Oil Vessels—But Plans To Deport Iranians Despite Protest Killings

Topline

The U.S. announced new sanctions Friday against Iran’s oil industry it says are punishment for the regime’s killing of protesters, at the same time the Trump administration reportedly prepares to deport dozens of Iranians, some who could face death sentences—a measure that appears to contradict its purported defense of Iranian civilians.

People gather during protest on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Demonstrations have been ongoing since December, triggered by soaring inflation and the collapse of the rial, and have expanded into broader demands for political change. (Photo by Anonymous/Getty Images)

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Key Facts

The Treasury Department announced sanctions against nine “shadow fleet vessels,” alleging they’ve shipped oil from Iran used to fund the regime’s “regional terrorist proxies, weapons programs, and security services, instead of the basic economic services the Iranian people have bravely demanded.”

The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets and interests in assets owned by the sanctioned companies and individuals, which are based in the United Arab Emirates, India, Oman, Seychelles, Marshall Islands and Liberia.

At the same time, the Trump administration is preparing to deport 40 individuals back to Iran on a flight departing Arizona Sunday, MS Now reported, citing three unnamed sources familiar with the plans.

At least two of the men are gay and fled the country about four years ago after they were arrested and faced possible execution (homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in Iran).

The deportations—and the risk some of the asylum seekers sent back could be executed—raise questions about the authenticity of the Trump administration’s purported solidarity with protesters and its true motive in targeting the regime.

Crucial Quote

An unnamed relative of one of the Iranians allegedly expected to be deported told MS Now: “Tthe question I have is: how our president is concerned about protesters in Iran but is doing this to people and families here?”

What To Watch For

Trump told reporters Thursday his administration is “watching Iran” and sent an “armada” of war ships toward Iran. Trump has shifted away from his threats to strike Iran over the regime’s killing of protesters, but has warned the U.S. will attack if protesters are executed. Trump said Thursday his strike threats pushed the regime to cancel 830 planned executions. Iran’s prosecutor general, Mohammad Movahedi, denied Trump’s claim Friday as “completely false” and said “neither does such a number exist, nor has the judiciary made such a decision,” he told the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, according to The New York Times.

Tangent

The sanctions announced Friday mark the second round of penalties imposed by the U.S. government over the Iranian regime’s protest crackdown—last week, several officials who oversee Iran’s security forces were sanctioned, along with 18 individuals and entities the Treasury Department said help launder Iranian oil money to foreign markets. Trump also announced earlier this month he would impose 25% tariffs against “any” country doing business with Iran.

Key Background

At least 5,000 people have died, more than 7,300 have been injured and more than 26,800 arrested since protests began in Iran in December, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Demonstrations broke out over the near-collapse of the rial and spiraling economic conditions but grew to become a larger movement against the regime. Iran’s government reported its first death toll on Wednesday. It said 3,117 people have been killed, claiming 2,427 were civilians or members of Iran’s security forces and the rest were “terrorists.” It did not provide a breakdown of the number of civilians and security forces killed.