The United States announced yesterday a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, just hours after the first round of talks between Iranian and US delegations in Oman, which Tehran said were held in a “positive atmosphere”.
The sanctions were unveiled shortly after the meeting in Muscat, where the two sides agreed to continue negotiations, according to Iran’s foreign minister.
US vows to curb Iranian oil exports
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said President Donald Trump remains committed to reducing what Washington describes as Iran’s illegal oil and petrochemical exports, as part of the administration’s maximum pressure campaign.
“Instead of investing in the prosperity of its own people and its crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilising activities around the world and intensify repression at home,” Pigott said.
Targets include ‘shadow fleet’ vessels
According to the State Department, the new measures target 15 entities, two individuals and 14 vessels linked to Iran’s so-called shadow fleet, which Washington says is used to facilitate illicit oil trading.
The sanctioned vessels include ships sailing under the flags of Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates. All assets held by the sanctioned individuals and entities within the United States will be frozen.
In addition, US companies and citizens are prohibited from conducting transactions with those designated. Any violations, the State Department warned, could result in further sanctions.
Sanctions announced after Muscat talks
The announcement followed talks in Muscat between representatives of Iran and the United States, which both sides said would continue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions had taken place in a positive climate, raising cautious expectations of further engagement despite the renewed sanctions pressure.
Source: CNA