US Sanctions Iranian Oil Minister, Shadow Fleet Amid Nuclear Deal Talks

The United States has intensified sanctions against Iran by targeting Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and several vessels involved in concealing Iranian oil exports. The Treasury Department announced these measures as part of a broader 'maximum pressure' strategy aimed at restricting Iran's oil revenue, which the U.S. asserts funds nuclear development and militancy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Iranian regime for using oil profits to serve its own interests at the expense of the Iranian populace. The sanctions also encompass a network of ships and entities facilitating the illicit export of Iranian oil, particularly to China. Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed U.S. overtures for negotiation as deceptive, asserting that the country will not engage under pressure. This move comes as President Trump seeks to renegotiate the nuclear deal following the U.S.'s withdrawal in 2018.