UANI Launches Major New Resource to Track Captains Steering Iran’s Illicit Oil Trade

(New York, NY) – Today, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) unveils the Masters of the Ghost Armada: The Captains Steering Iran’s Illicit Oil Trade resource to track, expose, and ultimately disrupt the illegal transport of Iranian oil in defiance of international sanctions. Sea captains and chief officers play a direct role in sanctions evasion, enabling the Islamic Republic of Iran to fund terrorism and destabilize the region. UANI’s initiative aims to disrupt these operations and push for stronger sanctions enforcement by the U.S. and its allies.

The captains and chief officers of vessels that transport Iranian oil are not mere spectators to this illicit trade—they are actively complicit in smuggling operations. As those in command, they oversee illegal activities such as falsifying records, manipulating transponders, and evading interdiction efforts. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has previously highlighted the culpability of maritime personnel involved in sanctions violations, emphasizing their responsibility in facilitating illicit trade.

The Masters of the Ghost Armada Resource focuses on the individuals steering Iran’s “ghost armada.” These maritime officers knowingly defy lawful orders and support smuggling networks that violate international sanctions. UANI’s message to them is clear: stop smuggling or face exposure, sanctions, and legal consequences.

Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO and Founder of UANI, said:

“Tanker captains are the linchpins of Iran’s illegal oil smuggling. We urge them to stop their activities, divert illicit cargoes to the U.S. for seizure, and cooperate with authorities. Our message is clear: work with UANI and the USA or face serious legal and reputational consequences.”

Claire Jungman, Chief of Staff and Director of the Iran Tanker Tracking Program, UANI, added: 
“More can and must be done to disrupt these individuals and their crews. I say to the captains: we know who you are and what you’re doing, and we won’t stop until all those enabling the Iranian regime’s terrorist activities are held accountable. This new resource will help the United States and its allies send an unequivocal warning to anyone directly supporting this brutal regime.”

The Masters of the Ghost Armada Resource expands on UANI’s acclaimed Iran Tanker Tracking Program, which has been instrumental in exposing the vessels involved in Iranian oil smuggling. By identifying these individuals and their vessels, UANI disrupts the regime’s financial lifelines, making it harder to fund its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah and Hamas. 

UANI welcomes governments and maritime authorities to utilize the Resource to strengthen sanctions enforcement and hold these individuals accountable. To learn more, visit here.