New US sanctions on 15 entities, 14 ships to block Iranian oil exports

### New US sanctions on 15 entities, 14 ships to block Iranian oil exports

The United States has announced new sanctions to limit Iranian oil exports, shortly after the end of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Oman. The measures, taken on Friday, target 15 entities, two individuals and 14 ships. In a statement, US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said that Iran is using oil revenues to fund destabilizing activities around the world and to strengthen repression at home. He said that President Donald Trump is committed to stopping Iran's illicit oil and petrochemical exports. The State Department also said that sanctions have been imposed on 14 ships involved in transporting Iranian oil and that international partners will be instructed to avoid any transactions with these ships. The United States claims that some of the ships in question are linked to networks based in Turkey, India and the United Arab Emirates. The new sanctions also include 15 entities and two individuals allegedly involved in Iran's oil exports and supply chain. The United States has been imposing sanctions since before the Trump administration to discourage oil purchases from Iran and limit the country's energy exports to the international market. Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister held indirect meetings with senior US representatives in Oman on the same day on Iran's nuclear program. He described the atmosphere for the talks as "positive." According to analysts, while diplomatic talks are ongoing, Washington is tightening sanctions to increase economic pressure. Earlier, the Trump administration had warned of taking a tough stance against Iran and increasing the US military presence in the region.