US Blocks Transactions With Vessels, Sanctions Entities After Iran Talks
US imposes fresh sanctions on vessels and firms tied to Iran’s oil exports just after nuclear talks in Oman.
The United States on Friday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports moments after a day of indirect diplomatic talks in Oman concluded — a move that juxtaposes increased economic pressure with ongoing efforts to manage tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
According to the U.S. State Department, the new measures block transactions involving 14 vessels alleged to be transporting Iranian oil and petrochemical products. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on 15 entities and two individuals linked to Iran’s energy trade network, which Washington claims helps fund regional destabilising activities and internal repression.
The announcement came shortly after indirect nuclear-related discussions between U.S. envoys and Iran’s foreign minister in Muscat, Oman — talks described by Iranian officials as having a “positive atmosphere” and by Western diplomats as a potential step toward broader engagement. Despite this diplomatic tone, the sanctions signal that Washington plans to maintain a hard line on Tehran’s ability to generate revenue from oil exports while negotiations continue.
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State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott reiterated that U.S. President Donald Trump remains committed to a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at curbing what Washington calls illicit Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, insisting that revenue from these sectors supports activities contrary to U.S. interests. The list of targeted vessels includes ships flagged in countries such as Türkiye, India, and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the international dimensions of the enforcement effort.
The sanctions announcement follows heightened regional tensions, including recent military posturing and disputes over Iran’s nuclear work — key issues at the heart of the Oman talks. While officials on both sides have expressed intent to continue discussions, they remain far apart on core demands, including Iran’s uranium enrichment and broader strategic behaviour.
International analysts say these developments reflect the Trump administration’s dual approach of combining diplomatic engagement with sustained economic pressure, a strategy that could shape the trajectory of U.S.–Iran relations in the coming months
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