The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken significant action against Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis. This move targets four individuals, 12 entities, and two vessels involved in importing oil and other illicit goods to support the group. The targeted parties include Houthi front companies, their owners, and key operatives who generate revenue through the sale of oil on Yemen’s black market and smuggling operations via Houthi-controlled ports.
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender stated, "The Houthis rely on a series of front companies and trusted facilitators to clandestinely generate revenue, procure weapons components, and advance their reign of terror in partnership with the Iranian regime." He emphasized that this action is the most significant to date against the group and aims to disrupt their financial and shipping networks.
This action follows several previous measures under Executive Order 13224 targeting Houthi leaders and suppliers. The U.S. Department of State designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) effective February 16, 2024, later re-designating them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 5, 2025.
Several companies have been identified for facilitating Houthi oil smuggling operations. These include Black Diamond Petroleum Derivatives in Sana’a; Star Plus Yemen in Hudaydah; Tamco Establishment for Oil Derivatives; Royal Plus Shipping Services; Yahya Al-Usaili Company for Import Limited; Gasoline Aman Company for Oil Derivatives Imports; Azzahra Establishment for Commerce and Agencies; Yemen Elaph Petroleum Derivatives Import; Abbot Trading Co., Ltd.; Ali Ahmed Daghsan Talea; and Daghsan Ahmed Daghsan.
Additionally, Zaid Al-Washli has been designated due to his role in managing Houthi-controlled ports such as Hudaydah and Al-Salif. His responsibilities include coordinating weapons procurement efforts.
Three vessels were identified for continuing to deliver refined petroleum products to Houthi-controlled ports after authorization expired. Best Way Tanker Corp., Ocean Voyage LLC, Atlantis M. Shipping Co., Valente, Atlantis MZ, and Sarah are implicated in these activities.
As a result of these designations, all property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these entities is blocked. Violations may lead to civil or criminal penalties under OFAC regulations.
The ultimate goal of sanctions is not punitive but aims at bringing about positive behavioral changes. OFAC provides guidance on seeking removal from its lists if conditions are met.
For further details on those designated or property identified as blocked today, more information can be accessed through OFAC's resources.