US Reimposes Sanctions on Iranian Oil After Ceasefire, Tensions Rise

 

The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, marking the first economic penalties against Tehran’s energy sector since a ceasefire ended a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last month. The US Treasury announced on Thursday that Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said and his UAE-based company were sanctioned for smuggling Iranian oil by blending it with Iraqi oil.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran had chosen extremism over peace and emphasized Washington’s commitment to disrupting Tehran’s access to financial resources used for destabilizing activities. The sanctions come despite previous remarks by President Donald Trump, who had suggested China could buy Iranian oil and hinted at possible sanctions relief. However, Trump reversed that stance after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared victory over Israel. Trump claimed he halted any sanctions relief and also said he prevented an Israeli plot to assassinate Khamenei.

The conflict escalated when Israel launched unprovoked air strikes on Iran on June 13, killing hundreds including civilians and military officials. The US joined the assault, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and a US military base in Qatar. Trump later declared that the US raids had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Pentagon estimates the strikes set Iran’s nuclear program back by one to two years, though the location of Iran’s uranium stockpiles remains uncertain.

Following the attacks, Iran passed a law suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA, accusing it of failing to condemn the US and Israeli strikes. This move drew criticism from the US and European nations. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is in indirect talks with the US through Oman and Qatar but expressed deep frustration over what it views as betrayal of diplomatic efforts.

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