US Imposes New Oil Sanctions on Iran Following Indirect Talks in Oman

On Friday, February 6, the United States unveiled new sanctions designed to curb Iranian oil exports shortly after Washington and Tehran wrapped up a day of indirect negotiations in Oman. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that Iran relies on oil revenue to support "destabilizing activities worldwide" and further tighten domestic repression. He emphasized US President Donald Trump’s commitment to reducing what the administration terms as Iran’s illegal oil and petrochemical exports as part of its maximum pressure campaign. The latest measures outlined by the State Department target transactions involving 14 vessels accused of transporting Iranian oil. These include ships registered under flags from Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on 15 entities and two individuals believed to be connected to these activities. Since the onset of Trump’s administration, the US has consistently enforced sanctions aimed at pressuring other nations to cease purchasing Iranian oil. The announcement comes as Iran's foreign minister engaged in indirect talks with senior US officials in Oman on Friday, discussing the country’s nuclear program. The discussions were described as taking place in a “positive atmosphere.” These talks follow a period of escalating tensions during which Iran’s clerical leadership forcefully suppressed widespread protests—the largest seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Trump has also previously threatened military action against Iran while bolstering US armed forces near its coastline.