US Iran Talks: The United States has imposed sanctions to curb the oil exports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Iran. The sanctions would target 14 nautical vessels that the Trump administration referred to as the “shadow fleet” of Iran.
The US Department of State would sanction multiple vessels, individuals and entities in an attempt to stem revenue flow that is leveraged by Iran to repress its citizens and support terrorism activities in other countries.
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US Iran Talks-More Pressure Tactics
Additionally, the US Department of State would sanction 15 entities that have been trading with Iranian-origin petrochemical, petroleum and crude oil products, along with 2 associated individuals.
An executive order was signed by US President Donald Trump threatening additional tariffs within hours of the sanctions’ announcement against any nation that acquires any services or goods from Tehran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the talks with US a good start after Iranian officials blasted some of the demands raised by USA.
Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi met separately with US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi in Muscat.
Tommy Pigott, the US Department of States spokesperson, remarked that the sanctions were part of the renewed pressure campaign by USA against Tehran. Pigott went on to accuse the Ayatollah Khamenei regime of prioritizing regional destabilization and repression over domestic welfare.
Trump’s Pressure Campaign
The tariff and sanctions threat are the latest steps by USA under President Trump to mount a pressure campaign on Tehran.
Meanwhile, US allies in the Middle East have appreciated initiatives by the Trump government to avoid any form of military escalation with Tehran. In Oman, USA released a long list of demands to stop any form of escalation with Iran going forward. This includes dismantlement of the country’s nuclear program, the ability to support armed groups in the Middle East region and restrictions on its stockpile of ballistic missiles.