US ends all sanctions waivers for Iran oil imports, tightening economic pressure

The Trump administration announces it will end all remaining sanctions waivers for countries importing Iranian oil, effective May 2. The move eliminates exceptions that had allowed China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey to continue purchasing Iranian oil at reduced volumes. The decision intensifies the ''maximum pressure'' campaign, cutting Iran's oil export capacity to near-zero and depriving the Iranian government of billions in annual revenue. The action is designed to force Iran back to the negotiating table on terms favorable to the United States. The move also triggers global concern about energy prices and strains U.S. relationships with allied nations that depend on oil imports.