The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports just moments after indirect talks between American and Iranian officials concluded in Oman on Friday.
The U.S. State Department said it will block transactions involving 14 vessels accused of transporting Iranian crude including ships flagged in Turkey India and the United Arab Emirates along with sanctions on 15 entities and two individuals tied to Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade.
According to the State Department Washington is committed to its so called “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at driving down Iran’s energy exports which the U.S. says are used to fund what it calls destabilizing activities around the world and to finance internal repression.
The announcement came shortly after indirect nuclear related discussions in Muscat between Iran’s Foreign Minister and senior U.S. envoys mediated by Oman that both sides described as having a positive atmosphere.
While the talks are seen as a diplomatic opening the new sanctions underscore continuing tension between Tehran and Washington reflecting a dual strategy of pressure and engagement. Critics say such penalties further complicate efforts to build trust while U.S. officials argue economic measures must accompany diplomacy to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
The move comes amid broader geopolitical concern over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional role with both sides signaling interest in further dialogue even as enforcement of sanctions continues to squeeze Tehran’s oil revenues.
