Scott Bessent Has A Grim Message For Iranian Ruling Elites Wiring Stolen Funds 'Like Rats On A Sinking Ship': 'We Will Track Them And You' - United States Oil Fund (ARCA:USO)

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Treasury Department has announced new sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials and financial entities involved in the repression of protesters and evasion of international sanctions [1][2]. Group 1: Sanctions Details - The sanctions, directed by President Donald Trump, target 18 individuals and entities, including high-ranking security officials and networks associated with Bank Melli and Shahr Bank, which are accused of laundering proceeds from Iranian oil sales [2][3]. - Key figures on the sanctions list include Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security, and regional commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who are allegedly responsible for violent actions against protesters [3]. Group 2: Economic Context - The U.S. Treasury Secretary warned that Iran's central bank is in a dire financial situation, leading to hyperinflation [3]. - Despite the new sanctions, energy prices have remained stable, with WTI February Crude Oil futures down 0.19% at $59.10 per barrel and Brent March futures down 0.22% at $63.63 per barrel [5]. - February Natural Gas futures increased by 0.89%, trading at $3.170 per MMbtu [6].