The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iranian oil minister Mohsen Paknejad and a number of vessels in a shadow fleet for disguising oil shipments. This comes amidst Iran’s exploration of potential talks with the U.S., despite ongoing sanctions and past experiences warning against negotiations. Iran firmly maintains its stance on not yielding to U.S. pressure regarding its nuclear program.
The United States has recently imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil minister Mohsen Paknejad and several Hong Kong-flagged vessels involved in concealing Iranian oil shipments. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Paknejad is responsible for overseeing substantial oil exports that benefit Iran’s armed forces. Additionally, sanctions were placed on the owners of vessels that have transported Iranian oil to countries including China and India, amidst Iran’s military reliance on a shadow fleet to manage significant oil deliveries.
Among the sanctioned vessels are the Hong Kong-flagged “Peace Hill,” its operator Hong Kong Heshun Transportation Trading Limited, and others such as the Iran-flagged “Polaris 1.” The U.S. Department of State has also designated three entities and three vessels as blocked property. In the midst of these sanctions, Iran is contemplating talks with the United States despite previously rejecting negotiations under pressure.
Iran’s leadership remains firm, with President Masoud Pezeshkian stating that the nation will not yield under pressure, while President Trump has called for a new nuclear agreement. Trump has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing discussions and warning of military action if Iran declines.
However, Khamenei has responded by asserting that U.S. threats are unwise and negotiations would not alleviate sanctions. He emphasized that discussions aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program will not be entertained, asserting the country does not seek nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he criticized the U.S. for attempting to dominate through negotiations.
Khamenei has cautioned that past experiences dictate that talks will not resolve Iran’s issues. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the reinstatement of severe sanctions, Iran’s economy has suffered significantly, leading to rampant inflation and a depreciating currency. Recent nuclear discussions have occurred with European countries and Russia, while China plans to facilitate future talks among involved parties, amid concerns regarding Iran’s uranium stockpile approaching levels indicative of nuclear weapon capability.
The recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran’s oil minister and associated shipping entities signal a continuing strain in U.S.-Iran relations. Despite economic pressures, Iran remains reluctant to engage in negotiations under the current sanctions framework. The leadership is resolute against U.S. influence and continues to assert that its nuclear activities are not aimed at weaponization, while navigating diplomatic discussions with other nations to address their nuclear program amid ongoing economic challenges.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
