WANA (Apr 30) – The United States has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil and petrochemical trade, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

 

Speaking on Wednesday evening, Rubio stated that the new sanctions would affect seven entities and two vessels allegedly involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum products.

 

In a statement, Rubio claimed, “The State Department is sanctioning seven entities linked to the oil and petrochemical trade with Iran and designating two vessels as blocked property. The U.S. President is committed to driving Iranian oil and petrochemical exports—particularly to China—down to zero as part of a maximum pressure campaign.”

 

The sanctions target four sellers and one buyer of Iranian petrochemicals, reportedly worth “hundreds of millions of dollars.” They also include a maritime management firm playing a key role in Iran’s crude supply chain and a cargo inspection company based in Iran.

 

These new measures come as indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. continue. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded to the latest sanctions, warning they would send a “negative message” during ongoing negotiations.

 

“Such provocative actions during talks raise doubts about the seriousness of the other side,” Araghchi said, noting the internal divisions and lobbying pressures within the U.S. political system.

 

Iran and the U.S. have so far held three rounds of indirect negotiations. A fourth round is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, Italy.

 

Despite Rubio’s assertions about ending Iran’s oil exports, U.S. media outlets have acknowledged that Iranian oil exports have recently reached their highest levels in years.