Trump threatens sanctions against buyers of Iranian oil after US-Iran nuclear talks are postponed

President Trump issued a warning on Thursday, threatening sanctions on any entity purchasing Iranian oil. This announcement followed the postponement of talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program advancement. Trump took to social media to declare an immediate halt to all Iranian oil and petrochemical product purchases, stating that those engaging in such transactions would face severe consequences in terms of their relationship with the United States.

The implementation of this ban remains unclear, particularly as secondary sanctions are threatened against nations importing Iranian oil. This move risks further straining relations with China, Iran’s primary oil customer, amidst existing tensions related to tariffs imposed by the U.S. president.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, China accounted for nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports in 2023. Trump’s imposition of significant tariffs on China only adds to the complexity of the situation.

The postponement of planned nuclear negotiations by Oman was also announced, with the U.S.-Iran meeting scheduled for Saturday being rescheduled due to logistical reasons. Both Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cited technical issues as the cause of the delay.

Despite these setbacks, Iran remains committed to seeking a negotiated solution that would guarantee the end of sanctions while ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. The U.S. is expected to participate in future talks, potentially in Rome, following previous rounds held in Muscat.

The overarching goal of the negotiations is to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. The broader Middle East region remains tense, with ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues its airstrike campaign targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning Iran about its support for the rebels. The evolving situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.