Overview

• The U.S. sanctioned an Iranian oil-smuggling network funneling billions of dollars to fund ballistic missiles, UAVs, nuclear proliferation, and proxy groups like the Houthis.
• Sanctions target Sepehr Energy and over 20 associated entities in multiple countries, accused of concealing the origin of Iranian oil and facilitating sales to China.
• Three Iranian scientists and one SPND-affiliated entity were sanctioned for contributing to research on nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
• Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60%, far exceeding the 2015 nuclear deal limits, while refusing to dismantle its enrichment program.
• Indirect nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Oman have yet to yield a breakthrough, with disagreements over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief persisting.