American tanker illicitly traded Iranian oil, advocacy group claims

A tanker owned by a Los Angeles-based private equity firm likely took part in the illicit trade of Iranian crude oil at sea despite American sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic, an advocacy group alleges.

The firm says it is cooperating with US government investigators.

The group United Against Nuclear Iran raises its allegations in a letter to Oaktree Capital Management, which holds assets worth over $160 billion. Satellite images and maritime tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press correspond to the group’s identification of the vessels allegedly involved and shows them side-by-side off the coast of Singapore on Saturday.

The alleged oil transfer comes as world powers and Iran negotiate in Vienna over restoring the nuclear deal. That accord saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions — including those targeting its crucial oil sales.