Why it matters
The timing underscores Washington’s dual-track approach toward Iran: pursuing diplomacy while maintaining economic pressure, even as negotiations resume over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The big picture
The sanctions come amid renewed indirect engagement between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman.
They mark the first major punitive step since the two sides agreed to explore a potential framework for continued nuclear talks.
Washington is signaling that diplomacy will not suspend its “maximum pressure” policy.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the measures are part of President Donald Trump’s renewed pressure campaign.
By the numbers
The U.S. sanctioned 15 entities and 14 vessels.
Hundreds of millions of dollars in Iranian oil were targeted by similar sanctions last month
Hossein Vaez - seyed mohammad kazemi
