Just hours after the first round of US–Iran nuclear talks concluded in Oman, Washington announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s energy lifeline.

The US blacklisted 15 entities and 14 oil tankers linked to Iran’s “shadow fleet,” accusing them of illegally exporting oil and petrochemical products to fund Tehran’s government.

US officials said the move aims to cut off Iran’s primary revenue stream, disrupt sanction-evasion networks, and block funding tied to nuclear development and regional armed groups.

Despite Iran describing the talks as “positive,” the sanctions signal that pressure remains Washington’s default tool, even as diplomacy continues.