Washington, DC – July 3, 2025: The United States has announced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, marking the first punitive measures against Tehran’s energy sector since last month’s ceasefire between Israel and Iran.Among those sanctioned are Iraqi businessman Salim Ahmed Said and his UAE-based company, accused of blending Iranian oil with Iraqi oil to bypass export restrictions.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran had chosen extremism over peace, vowing continued efforts to cut off Tehran’s revenue streams and undermine its “destabilizing activities.”Although US President Donald Trump initially hinted at lifting sanctions after the June 24 ceasefire—suggesting China could buy Iranian oil—he quickly reversed course after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared victory over Israel. Trump claimed he stopped Israel from assassinating Khamenei, preventing what he called a “very ugly and ignominious death.”The recent conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched unprovoked airstrikes, killing hundreds of Iranians, including top generals and civilians. The US soon joined the offensive, bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. In response, Iran fired missiles at Israel and struck a US airbase in Qatar.According to the Pentagon, US strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back by one to two years, though it remains unclear where Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles are. Meanwhile, Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after accusing it of failing to condemn the US and Israeli attacks—a move criticized by Washington and several European nations.On Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei suggested indirect contacts were ongoing with the US—via Oman and Qatar—aimed at finding a diplomatic solution. He cautioned against using diplomacy as mere “psychological warfare” and expressed disappointment at what Tehran sees as betrayal of its peace efforts.Earlier, Trump reiterated his commitment to diplomacy, saying he delayed a decision on US involvement in the war to allow talks between Iran and European powers.
