Washington: The United States has reimposed restrictions on Iran’s oil sales, reversing a previous easing of sanctions and prompting a sharp response from Tehran, which described the decision as a violation of a bilateral understanding.
According to international media reports, Washington blamed Iran for incidents involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently reinstated restrictions on the country’s oil exports.
Under a previous US-Iran memorandum of understanding, the United States had allowed Iran to continue selling oil until August 21. However, the US Department of the Treasury has now shortened that period, limiting the authorization until July 17 through a new sanctions decision.
The move effectively reinstates tighter restrictions on Iranian oil exports earlier than previously expected.
Iran Rejects US Decision
Reacting to the announcement, Iran said the renewed sanctions violate the memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries.
In a statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the United States had failed to honor its commitments under the understanding and would bear responsibility for the consequences.
The ministry added that Iran would take appropriate measures to safeguard its national interests and security in response to the US action.
“The United States has violated the memorandum of understanding, and it is responsible for the current situation,” the ministry said.
Background
Last month, the United States had relaxed certain restrictions, allowing Iran to export crude oil and petrochemical products under the terms of the reported understanding between the two sides.
The latest decision signals a reversal of that policy and comes amid heightened tensions over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
The US administration has linked the renewed restrictions to concerns over regional maritime security, while Iran has rejected the allegations and condemned the sanctions as unjustified.
The development is expected to further strain relations between Washington and Tehran and could have broader implications for regional security and international energy markets.
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