Iran Press/ America: Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping and Insurance companies that they could face stiff US sanctions if they aid the tanker flotilla carrying gasoline to Caracas, the US envoy on Venezuela told Reuters on Friday.
Elliott Abrams, Washington’s special representative on Venezuela, said that the pressure campaign targeting heavily sanctioned US 'foes' Iran and Venezuela was being waged 'to be sure everyone recognizes this would be a very dangerous transaction to assist'.
The Venezuelan navy on Thursday escorted a fourth tanker bringing Iranian fuel through its waters, defying US threats of measures in response to the shipments. At least one other tanker was en route in the Atlantic
"We've alerted the shipping community around the world, ship owners, ship captains, ship insurers, and we've alerted ports along the way between Iran and Venezuela," Abrams said in an interview.
He said that diplomatic warnings, known as demarches, have been sent privately to governments around the world.
A person familiar with the matter said among them was Gibraltar, situated on the tankers' route. A US official said various countries had been asked to deny the tankers port services.
Two other tankers, the Liberia-flag Bella and Bering, passed through the Suez Canal in early May, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. Sources familiar with the matter said the United States was looking for ways to prevent them from reaching Venezuela.
Abrams declined to comment but, citing the sanctions risk, said: "I do not think that you will find ship owners and insurers and captains and crews willing to engage in these transactions in the future."
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