The United States on Friday, June 20, 2025, imposed its most extensive sanctions to date on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, targeting nine companies, three senior operatives, and three ships involved in smuggling oil and illicit goods to finance the group’s operations.

The Treasury Department stated that the sanctions are part of efforts to “cut off financial flows enabling the Houthis’ destabilizing activities in the region.”

The targeted companies include Black Diamond, Royal Plus, Tamco, and Star Plus, operating as front entities in Sana’a and Hodeidah, channeling funds through illicit oil sales and smuggling networks tied to the IRGC.

Key figures sanctioned include business magnate Ali Ahmed Daghssan and his brother, along with Zaid Al-Wushali, head of the Houthi-aligned Port Management Company, accused of coordinating arms procurement efforts.

Three oil tankers that continued to deliver refined fuel to Ras Issa port after the expiration of their anti-terrorism licenses were also sanctioned.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Volkinder said: “The Houthis rely on shadow companies and trusted facilitators to secretly generate revenue, buy weapon components, and sustain their terrorist rule in partnership with Iran.”