State Department announces sanctions on Iran's oil minister and signals visa revocations for campus violence supporters

The State Department announced sanctions on Iran's oil minister and on a network described as a "shadow fleet" that the department said facilitates Iran's illicit crude oil trade. The spokesperson said the measures aim to stop revenue that the department contends fuels regional conflict and nuclear advances.

At the same briefing the department said it would consider revoking visas of foreigners who have supported Hamas and engaged in antisemitic harassment, intimidation, vandalism or violence on U.S. college campuses. The spokesperson said the department intends to use its authority to revoke visas when information indicates a visa holder may be inadmissible or ineligible under U.S. immigration law.

The spokesperson framed the sanctions as part of a tougher posture to cut revenue streams the department says support Iran-backed proxies. On visa policy, the department emphasized that actions — not protected speech alone — are the basis for ineligibility, and said decisions may be subject to court review.

What the briefing did not include: The department did not provide names or identifying details for individuals whose visas might be revoked, nor did it announce a specific list or a timeline for broader revocations. The spokesperson also said that visa-review work is being done under a separate presidential executive order and that no definitive list exists at the department level that would be acted upon immediately.

Officials said they would litigate decisions as necessary and that the United States seeks to protect national security while respecting legal processes.