The US government announced today (March 13, 2025) that it has imposed economic sanctions on Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Pakzand, along with several organizations and vessels, as part of its political pressure campaign against Tehran. “The measures taken today represent a new phase in President Trump’s policy of maximum pressure on the Iranian regime,” stated the State Department in its announcement. The aim of this policy is to restrict Iran’s revenue to “end the nuclear threat,” halt the development of ballistic missile programs, and prevent Tehran from supporting “terrorist organizations that defend its interests,” the statement added. The US targets the elimination of Iranian oil exports, especially to China. This is the third round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil since Donald Trump assumed office in January. The US Treasury Department mentioned that these sanctions constitute additional pressure on the “shadow fleet” transporting Iranian oil.