US Imposes Fresh Sanctions to Curb Iran’s Oil Exports

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday announced new sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports, including targeting 14 vessels, moments after the two adversaries concluded a day of indirect talks in Oman.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Iran uses oil revenue to “fund destabilising activities around the world” and intensify repression inside the country.

He said President Donald Trump remains committed to driving down Iran’s “illicit oil and petrochemical exports” under the administration’s maximum pressure campaign.

The State Department said it would block any transactions involving 14 vessels accused of transporting Iranian oil, including ships flagged from Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates.

It also announced sanctions on 15 entities and two individuals.

Since Trump’s first administration, the United States has imposed sanctions in an effort to force other countries to stop purchasing Iranian oil.

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The announcement came as Iran’s foreign minister met indirectly in Oman on Friday with senior US envoys regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme, saying there was a “positive atmosphere” during the discussions.

Trump has previously threatened the use of force against Iran and has ramped up the US military presence near Iran’s shores.