Iran exported nearly 70 million barrels of oil worth $5-6 billion during a brief US sanctions pause, with much of the crude sent to China before Washington restored restrictions.

Did Iran secretly ship 70 million barrels of oil to China? Report claims $6 billion crude exported before blockade restored

US President Donald Trump says Washington is ready for another round of negotiations with Iran, even as the US imposed fresh sanctions targeting key Iranian financial networks. Reports suggest new talks could take place in Switzerland, while Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman continue diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected claims that it requested negotiations and has accused the US of violating previous understandings through renewed military action.


Trump agrees to fresh iran talks as us imposes new sanctions amid rising middle east tensions

The Treasury Department said the Iranian exchange houses facilitate billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions a year, enabling Tehran to evade sanctions and access international financial system, while the front companies oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange houses, front companies and shadow fleet vessels

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns of sweeping US sanctions under “Economic Fury,” targeting firms linked to Iranian airlines, as Washington ramps up pressure and signals looming fuel shortages in Iran.

‘Economic Fury’: Scott Bessent predicts ‘gasoline shortages’ in Iran, threatens US sanctions on aviation firms

The US has sanctioned six Indian firms for allegedly trading Iranian petroleum products, violating US sanctions. Their US assets are frozen, and American entities are barred from dealing with them. Firms in Turkey, the UAE, China, and Indonesia were also targeted.

'Not to punish...': US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran hours after 25% tariff imposition; Tehran calls it 'economic imperialism'

When asked about the probability of the US carrying out another strike on Iran, Trump did not dismiss the possibility but said, "We're not going to have to do that".

Trump open to lifting Iran sanctions 'at the right time,' doesn't rule out future strikes

Amid rising regional tensions, the Trump administration targets Iran-linked defence firms and a Houthi oil smuggling network with new sanctions aimed at curbing missile proliferation and illicit financing.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran-linked defence firms and Houthi oil network

In reaction to "continuing nuclear escalations," the United States on Thursday imposed further sanctions on Iran, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose," Blinken stated.

US issues fresh sanctions against Iran over nuclear escalations

Amid negotiations with Iran on the nuclear deal in Vienna, German foreign minister Heiko Maas said there was a good chance the 2015 deal can be revived. Iran's state-run television channel quoted the presidential chief of staff Mahmoud Vaezi as saying that the US has agreed to "remove all insurance, oil and shipping sanctions imposed by the former president Donald Trump.

'About 1,040 Trump-era sanctions will be lifted': Iran, Germany eye nuclear deal revival

As we get closer to Iran’s 13th presidential elections, once again Iranians with great passion and enthusiasm are going through another democratic process to determine their future after carefully assessing initiatives, pledges and programs of the seven presidential candidates who have deemed qualified to run in this substantial elections.

Opinion: Iran’s 2021 Presidential elections - dynamics and merits of a political system

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that hundreds of US sanctions will remain on Iran even if the United States rejoins the 2015 nuclear accord. Blinken said the sanctions will remain in place until Iran's behaviour changes.

Antony Blinken says hundreds of sanctions to remain on Iran even if US rejoins nuclear deal

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps unleashes new warship with drones, helicopters onboard

The sanctions were suspended in 2015 following a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in July that year.

US reimposes sanctions on Iran

The United Nations on Tuesday blocked a bid by the Trump administration to reimpose international sanctions on Iran due to lack of consensus at the UNSC. Also Read: 'Don't need permission to initiate snapback': US in tussle with France, UK over Iran sanctions Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran

US sanctions imposed on Iran's shipping network took effect on Monday, months after they were announced in December following accusations of supporting proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

US sanctions imposed on Iranian shipping network over proliferation take effect

Iran on Tuesday reported 71 deaths due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 5,877 which is the highest in the Middle East. Also Read: After Trump's attack, China says US shirking responsibility & diverting public attention over coronavirus On Monday, the country had reported 96 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

Iran reports 73 new coronavirus deaths, 1,000 new cases; death toll crosses over 5,800

Polling booths opened in Iran on Thursday with President Hassan Rouhani's fate in the balance. Also Read: Iran defends barring of candidates as campaign ends The country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was one of the early voters while calling people to take part in the election "as soon as possible" and "guarantee the country's national interests".

Voting begins in Iran's parliamentary elections

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US Treasury Department said on Monday.

US imposes sanctions on nine Iranians with ties to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region.

I want to convince Trump to drop certain sanctions against Iran to give negotiations a chance: Macron

Speaking during a live televised address, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that Donald Trump’s White House is “afflicted by mental retardation,” Watch full video to know more.

Donald Trump’s White House Is ‘Afflicted by Mental Retardation’, says Iranian President

Iran has followed through on a threat to accelerate its production of enriched uranium, the head of the UN atomic watchdog said on Monday, departing from his usual guarded language to say he was worried about increasing tension.

Iran has accelerated enrichment of uranium: IAEA

Iran said on Sunday Europe was in no position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities and it called on European leaders to normalise trade ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions, or face consequences.

Europe in no position to criticise Iran for issues outside JCPOA: Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

The new government at the Centre, after May 23, will soon be called to address the emerging challenges in the Gulf. The Trump administration has tightened sanctions against Iran, moved its military naval ship from Cairo to the Gulf and kept its military base in Qatar and navy in the Arabian Sea on the high alert to meet any threatening contingencies from Iran.

How India should address emerging challenges in the Gulf

Oil edged higher to $73 a barrel on Friday, supported by a host of supply cuts and concern of further disruption to Middle East shipments as tensions rise, and was heading for a weekly gain.

Oil lifted to $73 by real and threatened supply cuts