Washington tightens noose on Iranian oil network while Tehran refuses nuclear retreat despite mounting pressure.
The United States announced sweeping new sanctions on Friday targeting a covert network used to transport Iranian oil, intensifying pressure on Iran as it continues to threaten regional stability and Israel’s security.
The measures blacklist 15 entities, 14 vessels, and two individuals linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a clandestine maritime system used to bypass international restrictions. U.S. officials said revenues from these illicit oil shipments are funneled toward terror organizations and destabilizing activities across the Middle East.
American officials stressed that instead of rebuilding its economy or serving its people, Tehran prioritizes external aggression and internal repression—fueling violence while infrastructure at home collapses.
The sanctions were unveiled as indirect talks between Washington and Tehran took place in Oman, mediated by local officials. Despite diplomatic engagement, Iran reportedly rejected demands to halt uranium enrichment on its own territory, offering only limited discussion on enrichment levels while insisting on preserving its core nuclear capabilities.
Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sponsorship of violence will not be tolerated. U.S. officials emphasized that enforcement actions will continue as long as Tehran violates energy export restrictions and threatens allies—chief among them Israel.The United States announced sweeping new sanctions on Friday targeting a covert network used to transport Iranian oil, intensifying pressure on Iran as it continues to threaten regional stability and Israel’s security.
The measures blacklist 15 entities, 14 vessels, and two individuals linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a clandestine maritime system used to bypass international restrictions. U.S. officials said revenues from these illicit oil shipments are funneled toward terror organizations and destabilizing activities across the Middle East.
American officials stressed that instead of rebuilding its economy or serving its people, Tehran prioritizes external aggression and internal repression—fueling violence while infrastructure at home collapses.
The sanctions were unveiled as indirect talks between Washington and Tehran took place in Oman, mediated by local officials. Despite diplomatic engagement, Iran reportedly rejected demands to halt uranium enrichment on its own territory, offering only limited discussion on enrichment levels while insisting on preserving its core nuclear capabilities.
Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sponsorship of violence will not be tolerated. U.S. officials emphasized that enforcement actions will continue as long as Tehran violates energy export restrictions and threatens allies—chief among them Israel.
