U.S. imposes another round of Iran-related sanctions amid nuclear deal negotiations

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:42 am

US Tightens Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Talks

The United States has ramped up pressure on Iran with a new round of sanctions, targeting an Iranian oil smuggling network accused of funneling billions of dollars to the regime's military and proxy forces. This move comes as the Trump administration engages in ongoing negotiations with Tehran regarding a new nuclear weapons deal.

The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury, specifically target fifteen front companies, buyers, and facilitators operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, the Seychelles, and Singapore. Additionally, an Iranian national, Mohammad Khorasani Niasari, and two shipping vessels are included in the punitive measures. These entities are linked to Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, previously blacklisted by the Biden administration for its role in facilitating the sale of Iranian commodities, including oil, to fund Iran's weapons and nuclear programs.

The Treasury alleges that Sepehr Energy uses a complex web of front companies to obscure the origin of oil shipments, including ship-to-ship transfers at sea before the cargo reaches China. Once in China, the company allegedly relies on complicit local agencies to facilitate the sanctioned sales. Khorasani, a financial inspector for Sepehr Energy, is sanctioned for managing the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff's transactions.

These sanctions are part of the Trump administration's renewed "maximum pressure" policy, which aims to compel Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Despite this pressure, talks are reportedly showing progress, with four rounds of informal talks already completed and a fifth yet to be scheduled. President Trump, speaking in Saudi Arabia, urged Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and accept a "better path," warning of consequences if they refuse. Iran has indicated a willingness to negotiate on enrichment allotments, but has not yet provided details.

BNN's Perspective: The renewed sanctions and ongoing negotiations highlight the complex and often contradictory nature of US-Iran relations. While the administration's hardline stance is understandable given Iran's nuclear ambitions and destabilizing activities, the effectiveness of sanctions in achieving long-term goals remains debatable. A balanced approach that combines pressure with diplomatic engagement may ultimately be the most effective path forward.

Keywords: US sanctions, Iran sanctions, nuclear deal, Trump administration, oil smuggling, Sepehr Energy, Mohammad Khorasani Niasari, China, Hong Kong, maximum pressure, nuclear weapons, uranium enrichment, negotiations, Tehran, sanctions, Iran, nuclear program, US Treasury, front companies, shipping vessels.

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