US slaps sanctions on Iran's secret oil fleet as nuclear talks restart in Oman
The US imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's shadow oil network, targeting vessels and traders accused of funding repression and terrorism, as Tehran and Washington held indirect nuclear talks in Oman.
The United States on Friday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran’s energy sector. The move targets what Washington describes as a shadow network of shippers, traders and vessels funding repression at home and destabilising activities abroad.
The sanctions announcement came as Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, an effort that appeared to reset discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme amid heightened regional tensions.
“The United States is sanctioning multiple entities, individuals, and vessels to stem the flow of revenue that the regime in Tehran uses to support terrorism abroad and repress its citizens,” the Department of State said in a statement.
As part of the action, Washington imposed sanctions on 15 entities involved in trading Iranian-origin crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products, along with two associated individuals. The State Department also identified 14 so-called shadow fleet vessels as blocked property for their role in transporting Iranian energy exports.
“Time and time again, the Iranian government has prioritised its destabilising behaviour over the safety and security of its own citizens,” the State Department said, pointing to what it described as the regime’s “mass murder of peaceful protestors.”
“The United States will continue to act against the network of shippers and traders involved in the transport and acquisition of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products, which constitutes the regime’s primary source of income,” the department said.
According to US officials, Iran’s exports are enabled by illicit shipping facilitators operating across multiple jurisdictions. These actors rely on deception, ship-to-ship transfers and other covert practices to obscure the origin of Iranian cargoes.
The move follows a series of US sanctions imposed over the past month on senior Iranian officials, including the interior minister and the secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security, over Tehran’s crackdown on recent protests.
IRAN AND US HOLD INDIRECT TALKS IN OMAN
The talks in Muscat were notable for the presence of US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, underscoring Washington’s military posture in the region as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships operate off Iran’s coast in the Arabian Sea.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations were held in multiple rounds and focused on identifying a framework for future talks. However, he stressed that progress would depend on an end to what he described as threats and pressure from the United States.
“The prerequisite for any dialogue is refraining from threats and pressure,” Araghchi told journalists, adding that diplomats would return to their capitals following the talks.
Oman, which mediated the discussions, said the talks were aimed at clarifying positions and laying the groundwork for the possible resumption of diplomatic and technical negotiations, rather than reaching an immediate breakthrough.
The United States did not publicly comment on the outcome of the talks. Officials have said any agreement with Iran must address not only its nuclear activities but also ballistic missiles and regional behaviour — positions Tehran has resisted.