Washington (TDI): The United States has imposed its first set of sanctions against Iran since President Donald Trump’s return to White House, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at Tehran.
The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury on Thursday, target Tehran’s oil network, including firms, ships, and individuals already sanctioned by the United States.
These action comes amid a broader push to hinder Iran’s oil exports and reduce its revenue, which Washington argues is used to fund Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and support for regional proxy groups.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the sanctions are aimed at curbing Tehran’s ability to fund its nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile programs, and regional destabilizing activities.
He said the US is committed to aggressively targeting any attempt by Tehran to secure funding for these malign activities.
This new round of sanctions targets entities and people in multiple jurisdictions, including China, India, and the UAE.
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The sanctions come just days after President Trump issued an executive order to revive his first-term pressure campaign against Iran, which he started after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).
Under the agreement, Iran agreed to scale back its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of global sanctions.
However, negotiations under President Joe Biden to restore the deal stalled, especially after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
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Despite the aggressive sanctions, Trump has left the door open for diplomacy with Iran, expressing a willingness to engage with Iranian officials.
“I want Iran to be a great and successful nation, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said on Tuesday, reflecting his dual approach of pressure and potential talks.
