United States ramps up pressure on Iran over nuclear talks

The United States is preparing a new economic pressure campaign aimed at Iran as nuclear negotiations remain stalled. Washington has reimposed oil sanctions and warned that if Iran does not publicly guarantee the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and cease attacks on commercial vessels, the strait could be fully closed. The campaign targets senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and entities involved in Iran’s oil trade.

Senior U.S. officials have expressed growing pessimism about reaching a fresh nuclear agreement, noting that diplomatic talks in Switzerland and Qatari‑mediated contacts have not softened positions. The administration has set a deadline for Tehran to make a public commitment, linking any failure to unspecified consequences. The heightened tensions have raised concerns over regional stability and the impact on international oil markets.