Nations buying Iranian oil or petrochemicals will face secondary sanctions, the US president has said

US President Donald Trump has announced that countries that continue to buy Iranian oil or petrochemical products will face secondary sanctions.

The move comes as Washington and Tehran have been engaging in talks over Iran's nuclear program. The Islamic Republic is reportedly willing not to militarize the program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Anyone found to be doing oil trade with Iran "will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, adding that "all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop, now!"

The announcement came a day after the US State Department imposed sanctions against seven companies it said were involved in the "illicit" trade of Iranian oil and petrochemical products. The list includes six entities based in the United Arab Emirates, as well as one Turkish and one Iranian company.

In its statement, the State Department accused Tehran of fueling conflict in the Middle East, advancing its nuclear program, and supporting "terrorist partners and proxies." The US Treasury Department did not comment on the latest developments or announce any new restrictions.

Washington has been pressuring Tehran into a new agreement on its nuclear program. Trump tore up the 2015 UN-backed agreement during his first term in office, accusing Tehran of secretly violating the deal, and reimposed sanctions. Iran has reportedly rolled back its compliance with the accord.

In March, Trump threatened to bomb Iran "if they don't make a deal." Tehran responded by saying that it would not yield to pressure. The two sides have held three rounds of talks on the issue that were facilitated by Oman.

However, the fourth round was postponed for "logistical and technical reasons," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced earlier on Thursday. He added that Tehran is nevertheless "more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal."

The US has also accused Iran of supporting and directing the Houthi fighters in Yemen. Trump launched a massive strike campaign against the militants in March with a declared goal of protecting shipping in the Red Sea.

Earlier on Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that it would face consequences of its actions at a time and place of Washington's choosing while blaming it for facilitating the Houthis' actions. Tehran has denied the accusations.

(RT.com)