Greek shipper pleads guilty to transporting sanctioned Iranian oil, agrees to $2.4 million fine

Greek shipper Empire Navigation pleaded guilty to smuggling Iranian crude oil in violation of U.S. sanctions.
The charge relates to the oil tanker Suez Rajan carrying Iranian oil from Khargh Island.
Empire Navigation agreed to pay a $2.4 million fine as part of a plea deal to avoid further legal action.
The case highlights ongoing Iranian oil exports despite U.S. sanctions, with China a suspected major buyer.
Empire Navigation's lawyer cited threats from Iran as rationale for accepting the plea agreement.