Within hours of the adjournment of the U.S.-Iran talks in Muscat, Oman, which, by the Iranian side’s own description were “constructive,” the White House announced a new executive order “establishing a process to impose tariffs on countries that acquire any goods or services from Iran to protect the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.” President Trump has thus proven once again that his only “negotiating strategy” is to inflict so much pain on the party on the other side of the table that they’ll give in to his maximalist demands without the U.S. side having to give up anything. There is no reason to believe that this approach will work with Iran.
“The Order imposes a system that allows the United States to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran,” the announcement says. “The President may modify the Order if circumstances change, in response to retaliation, or if Iran or an affected country takes significant steps to address the national emergency and align with the United States on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters. “ The EO “authorizes the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, and United States Trade Representative to take all necessary actions, including issuing rules and guidance, to implement the tariff system and related measures.”
At the same time, the State Department also announced new sanctions on Iran targeting Iran’s oil trade. “The Department of State is sanctioning 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 shadow fleet vessels connected to the illicit trade in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. These targets have generated revenue that the regime uses to conduct its malign activities,” the State Department said in a statement. “Instead of investing in the welfare of its own people and crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilizing activities around the world and step up its repression inside Iran.
“So long as Iranian regime attempts to evade sanctions and generate oil and petrochemical revenues to fund such oppressive behavior and support terrorist activities and proxies, the United States will act to hold both the Iranian regime and its partners accountable.”
A separate “fact [https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/02/sanctions-to-combat-illicit-traders-of-iranian-oil-and-the-shadow-fleet/] sheet” explains the actions that the US is taking.
