The United States has taken a firm step in its effort to curb Iranian oil exports by imposing stricter sanctions, marking the second round of sanctions since President Donald Trump initiated his “zero oil export” policy through the National Security Presidential Memorandum 2. This latest move targets over 30 individuals and ships linked to Iran’s oil trade, which allegedly funds Iran’s support for militant groups hostile to the U.S. and its allies.
On Monday, both the US Treasury and State Departments imposed sanctions on key figures within Iran’s National Iranian Oil Co. and Iranian Oil Terminals Co., including their top executives. The sanctions also extend to oil tankers operating out of China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and other jurisdictions believed to be assisting Iran in transporting crude oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
A Stronger Push to Halt Iran’s Oil Exports
This new round of sanctions is part of a broader US strategy aimed at reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero. The US has long criticized Iran’s oil trade, claiming that revenue from oil exports fuels Tehran’s regional destabilization efforts, including its support for terrorism and proxy wars.
President Trump first laid out this policy in February 2019 when he signed the National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which calls for a complete halt to Iran’s oil exports. The memorandum also reiterates the US’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. When announcing the policy, Trump said the goal was to limit the risk of military conflict by targeting Iran’s oil revenues, with hopes that the sanctions would not have to escalate.
Trump emphasized that the aim wasn’t to be overly aggressive towards Iran but to ensure it never obtains nuclear weapons. He further stated that any assassination attempt on his life would lead to an immediate and powerful response from the US.
Treasury Department Warns of Significant Sanctions Risk
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any entities engaging in transactions involving Iranian oil expose themselves to severe risks, with sanctions potentially affecting both individuals and businesses involved. Bessent expressed concern about the Biden administration’s softer stance on sanctions, advocating instead for a stronger, more proactive approach to target Iranian and Russian oil interests.
During his confirmation, Bessent reaffirmed the US’s commitment to targeting Iran’s entire oil supply chain, highlighting that these efforts are crucial to achieving broader geopolitical goals, such as limiting Iran’s nuclear program and curbing its support for terrorism.
Iran’s Oil Revenues and Their Global Impact
Recent reports have shed light on the scale of Iran’s oil revenues. According to a 2024 US Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, Iran earned approximately $253 billion from oil exports during both the Trump and Biden presidencies between 2018 and 2024. This figure underscores the financial power behind Iran’s regional influence, prompting the US to further tighten sanctions on its oil trade to limit Tehran’s ability to fund destabilizing activities globally.
A Continued Policy of Pressure
The sanctions are not just an economic measure but a strategic tool designed to force Iran to change its behavior. In a statement, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce noted that as long as Iran continues to use its energy revenues to fund attacks on US allies and support terrorism, the US will utilize every available option to hold the Iranian regime accountable.
Bruce’s comments signal that the US is committed to applying maximum pressure on Iran to curb the nation’s ability to export oil, fund militancy, and advance its nuclear ambitions. The US is sending a clear message that it will take every measure to prevent Iran from acquiring the means to develop nuclear weapons, while also undermining the financial foundations of Iran’s regional power.
The US is sanctioning Iranian oil exports as part of a broader strategy to limit Iran’s global influence and prevent nuclear proliferation. With these new sanctions, the US has escalated its campaign to cut off Iran’s oil revenues, demonstrating its commitment to a tough stance on Tehran’s activities. As the situation continues to evolve, it’s clear that the US will maintain its aggressive policy of sanctions to pressure Iran into compliance with international norms.
