DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Trump Issues Oil Sanction Warning
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that any entity purchasing Iranian oil would face sanctions, a statement made following the postponement of talks concerning Tehran’s accelerating nuclear ambitions.
Trump expressed on social media, “All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” He warned that any nations or individuals engaging in transactions with Iran would be barred from conducting business with the United States “in any way, shape, or form.”
The method of enforcing this ban remains unclear, but Trump signaled plans for secondary sanctions on nations importing Iranian oil, potentially heightening tensions with China—Iran’s primary buyer—especially given the existing strain in U.S.-China relations due to tariffs.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of October, China accounted for almost 90% of Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports in 2023. Trump has also imposed tariffs on China of up to 145% to address trade imbalances.
Trump’s threat coincided with Oman’s announcement that nuclear negotiations initially scheduled for the weekend were delayed. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi shared this via a post on X, stating, “For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd. New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attributed the postponement to “logistical and technical reasons,” insisting on Iran’s commitment to obtaining a fair deal that ensures the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and the lifting of economic sanctions.
Amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the fourth round of discussions in Rome, a source familiar with U.S. negotiators noted that the U.S. had not formally confirmed its participation but anticipated talks to commence soon. The negotiations aim to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in return for alleviating some of the severe economic sanctions imposed on it. The talks have thus far taken place in Muscat, Oman, highlighting a desire for dialogue amid rising geopolitical tensions.
