The United States government has escalated its economic pressure campaign against Iran by imposing comprehensive sanctions targeting 15 entities and 14 vessels allegedly involved in facilitating Iranian oil exports. The announcement came directly from the State Department on Friday, February 6, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of indirect diplomatic discussions between the two nations mediated by Oman.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott articulated the administration’s position, stating that President Donald Trump remains ‘committed to driving down the Iranian regime’s illicit oil and petrochemical exports’ as part of the ongoing maximum pressure strategy. The newly designated entities and vessels represent what officials describe as Iran’s ‘shadow fleet’ – a network of operations designed to circumvent existing international restrictions on Iranian energy exports.
The timing of these sanctions is particularly significant as they follow closely behind the conclusion of indirect negotiations between American and Iranian representatives. These talks, facilitated through Omani intermediaries, concluded earlier on Friday without apparent breakthrough. This diplomatic sequencing suggests a calculated escalation by the Trump administration, reinforcing its hardline approach toward Iran despite ongoing diplomatic channels.
The sanctioned entities span various sectors connected to the petroleum supply chain, including shipping companies, trading firms, and financial intermediaries accused of enabling Iran’s oil exports. The vessels targeted are allegedly part of a sophisticated network that uses ship-to-ship transfers, disabled transponders, and other evasion techniques to move Iranian crude to international markets.
This development represents the latest chapter in the prolonged tension between Washington and Tehran, which has persisted despite occasional diplomatic engagement. The maximum pressure campaign, initiated by the Trump administration, continues to target Iran’s primary revenue source despite criticisms about its humanitarian impact and effectiveness in achieving broader policy objectives.