US announces new Iran oil sanctions: The indirect talks between the two countries in Muscat, the capital of Oman, regarding Iran’s nuclear program had barely ended, when the US surprised everyone by announcing strict oil sanctions against Iran. The US has made it clear that Iran uses oil revenues to spread instability in the world and oppress people in its own country, so its oil exports must be stopped. This decision, taken under Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy, seems to have trapped Tehran at present.
US sanctions on 14 ships carrying Iranian oil
In these new sanctions, the US has targeted 14 ships carrying Iranian oil, including ships flying the flags of Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, 15 companies and 2 individuals have also been banned. Now any transaction with these ships or entities will be considered illegal according to US law. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said that the Trump administration is determined to stop Iran’s illegal oil and petrochemical exports.
Double strategy: On the one hand, the door to diplomacy is open, on the other, a tough economic strike
The most significant thing about this development is that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Oman talks as positive, but the US has made clear its strategy of continuing the pressure along with the talks. Amid the ongoing internal protests in Iran and rising tensions in West Asia, the US has also increased its military presence near the Iranian coast. Experts believe that on the one hand, the US wants to keep the diplomatic path open and on the other hand, bring Iran to its knees economically and militarily.
About the Author
