Has Trump Renewed Threats of Oil Sanctions Against Iran?

Los Angeles, May 2 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has reiterated his warnings against Iran, stating that any nation or individual purchasing oil or petrochemicals from Iran would face immediate sanctions from the US after the latest round of indirect discussions between the two nations was postponed.

"All purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must cease immediately! Any country or individual who buys ANY QUANTITY of oil or petrochemicals from Iran will be subject to immediate secondary sanctions," Trump declared on Thursday via Truth Social.

"They will not be permitted to conduct any business with the United States in any capacity. Thank you for your attention to this issue," he added.

Since his inauguration in January, Trump has initiated what he describes as a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which includes stricter sanctions on oil exports and threats of military intervention, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Trump's remarks followed Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei's announcement that the fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, planned for Saturday in Rome, has been postponed at Oman's request.

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to diplomacy to protect the nation’s "legitimate and legal" interests and to alleviate the sanctions and economic strain imposed on Iran.

Earlier that day, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi disclosed on social media platform X that the fourth round of talks had been postponed for "logistical reasons," adding, "New dates will be announced once mutually agreed upon."

"We are rescheduling the US-Iran meeting originally set for Saturday, May 3 due to logistical reasons," he noted.

Al-Busaidi, who has mediated the discussions through three rounds thus far, did not provide further details.

Rome is also preparing for the Vatican's conclave next week to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. Two previous rounds of US-Iran talks have been conducted in Muscat, Oman.

The discussions aim to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for the easing of some of the severe economic sanctions the US has placed on the Islamic Republic, amid a long-standing history of hostility. The negotiations are led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

Trump has consistently threatened to initiate airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program if an agreement is not reached. Iranian officials are increasingly cautioning that they may pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.

Trump’s threats on social media target Iran’s primary economic resource, which produced an average of 2.9 million barrels of crude oil daily in 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers did impose limits on Tehran's program. However, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018, leading to years of conflict and rising tensions. The broader Middle East remains unstable due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the US is continuing its airstrike operation known as "Operation Rough Rider," targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have long received support from Iran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a warning to Iran regarding the rebels.

"Message to Iran: We are aware of your lethal support to the Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing," he stated.

"You know very well what the US military is capable of — and you have been warned. You will face consequences at the time and place of our choosing."

Last Saturday's discussions, which included experts delving into the specifics of a potential deal, coincided with an explosion at an Iranian port, resulting in at least 70 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries.