US Threatens Secondary Sanctions on Supporters of Iran

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States Treasury Department, on Tuesday, issued a broad warning to all global financial institutions that it is prepared to impose secondary sanctions on entities deemed to support Iranian activities, amid the impasse in direct negotiations between the two countries.

The department stated it would “move aggressively with maximum economic pressure” to maintain the policy of pressure on Iran.

“Financial institutions must be aware that the US Treasury Department will utilise all available instruments and authorities and is prepared to impose secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that continue to support Iranian activities,” the statement read, posted via the X platform.

The department also affirmed that short-term permits for the sale of Iranian oil held at sea will expire in the coming days and will not be extended.

That policy refers to the 30-day temporary exemption issued on 20 March, which allowed the sale of Iranian oil already at sea, with an estimated volume of around 140 million barrels.

The war, along with Iran’s response of closing the Strait of Hormuz and targeting energy infrastructure in the US’s Gulf Arab allies, has triggered a sharp surge in energy prices, particularly oil.

The exemption is scheduled to end on 19 April.

Intensive direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, which lasted a marathon, ended last weekend without an agreement to permanently end the conflict.

Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump stated that talks are expected to resume in Pakistan in the next two days, although no official announcement has been made.

Source: Anadolu