The U.S. imposed sanctions on Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and several vessels associated with illicit oil shipments. Despite ongoing economic strain, Iran is cautiously considering negotiations with the U.S. while resisting significant concessions. President Trump has urged for a new nuclear deal, but Iran firmly rejects any discussions aimed at dismantling its nuclear program.
On Thursday, the United States enacted sanctions against Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and several Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet linked to Iranian oil shipments. According to the Treasury Department, Paknejad manages the export of substantial amounts of Iranian oil, including allocations for the Iranian armed forces. The sanctions also target owners of vessels that have aided Iranian oil deliveries to China and those involved in its storage across different jurisdictions, including India and China.
The sanctioned vessels include the Hong Kong-flagged Peace Hill, along with its owner, Hong Kong Heshun Transportation Trading Limited, as well as the Iran-flagged Polaris 1, the Seychelles-registered Fallon Shipping Company Ltd, and the Liberia-registered Itaugua Services Inc. The U.S. Department of State has identified three entities and three vessels as blocked property under these sanctions.
As the United States maintains its economic pressure, Iran is contemplating negotiations with the U.S., though it resists the idea of making significant concessions. Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has called for a new nuclear agreement while upholding stringent sanctions against Iran. Although Iran has dismissed direct talks amid these sanctions, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the nation would not capitulate under pressure.
This past Friday, President Trump communicated with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging for discussions and warning of potential military action should Iran refuse. Iranian media reported that a letter from Trump was received by top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, which was delivered by senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash. Khamenei has responded by labeling U.S. threats as “unwise” and claiming that negotiations would not alleviate sanctions but rather exacerbate the situation.
Khamenei has mentioned that the U.S. invitation for talks seems to be a ploy to mislead global opinion rather than a genuine desire for resolution. Trump’s proposed comprehensive agreement would address not only Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also its missile capabilities and its affiliates opposed to Israel. Meanwhile, Iran’s United Nations mission indicated a willingness to discuss the potential militarization of its nuclear program, but firmly rejects any negotiations aimed at dismantling its nuclear endeavors.
Khamenei has criticized perceived bullying by certain nations, asserting that negotiations with them only aim to enforce their dominance. He cautioned that the talks would not resolve Iran’s issues based on past experiences, referencing Trump’s prior imposition of severe sanctions and withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Consequently, Iran began to reduce its compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action a year after the U.S. withdrawal, leading to stalled attempts at reviving the agreement.
With millions of Iranians struggling under oppressive sanctions, which have amplified inflation and devalued the national currency, Iranian diplomats have recently conducted nuclear discussions with Britain, France, and Germany while also engaging separately with Russia. The Chinese government has announced plans to host trilateral nuclear talks with Russia and Iran soon. Notably, the UN atomic agency has raised concerns about Iran’s increased stockpiling of highly enriched uranium, which has reached levels near those necessary for developing atomic weapons, despite Iran’s claims of pursuing peaceful nuclear objectives.
In summary, the United States has intensified its sanctions against Iranian oil operations, implicating key figures and vessels in these measures. Amid ongoing economic struggles, Iran is cautiously exploring the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. while firmly opposing major concessions. President Trump’s efforts to reach a new nuclear deal may be perceived as strategic maneuvering, as Iran remains steadfast in its position against dismantling its nuclear capabilities. Ultimately, the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and international negotiations continue to evolve.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
