Trump imposes new Iran oil sanctions during nuclear talks
Iran faces new oil sanctions on the same day both sides agree to continue nuclear talks
Iran faces new oil sanctions on the same day both sides agree to continue nuclear talks
The Trump administration announced new sanctions on Friday, February 6, 2026, targeting entities linked to Iran's oil trade. The State Department sanctioned 15 entities and two individuals, and designated 14 shadow fleet vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. These designations were made under Executive Order 13846.
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Presidential power to impose economic restrictions without Congress
Ships that hide ownership to evade sanctions on oil transport
Government rules governing international trade and commerce.

President
Trump controls both U.S. diplomacy with Iran and sanctions policy. He authorized the Oman talks while simultaneously expanding economic pressure through new oil sanctions and an executive order threatening tariffs on countries trading with Iran. His dual-track approach pursues negotiations while keeping maximum economic pressure on Iran. Trump has final authority on whether to lift sanctions as part of any nuclear deal.
Trump Special Envoy
Witkoff led the U.S. delegation at the Oman nuclear talks on February 6, 2026. He and Jared Kushner met directly with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat before the rest of the talks continued indirectly with Omani mediation. Witkoff serves as Trump's lead negotiator on the Iran nuclear file.

Iran Foreign Minister
Araghchi led Iran's delegation at the Oman talks, meeting directly with Witkoff and Kushner. He described the talks as "a good start" and said the discussions focused exclusively on the nuclear issue. Araghchi was instructed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" with the United States.

Treasury Secretary
As Treasury Secretary, Bessent oversees the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces sanctions programs. While the State Department designated the 15 entities and 14 vessels on February 6, Treasury's OFAC enforces these sanctions by blocking designated entities' assets and prohibiting Americans from transacting with them. Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley coordinates day-to-day OFAC enforcement under Bessent's authority.
Secretary of State
Rubio's State Department announced the sanctions designating 15 entities, two individuals, and 14 shadow fleet vessels under Executive Order 13846. The State Department is the primary agency that designates entities for Iran oil sanctions, making Rubio's department the lead actor in this sanctions action.
President of Iran
Pezeshkian, who took office in July 2024 as Iran's ninth president, instructed Foreign Minister Araghchi to pursue negotiations with the United States. Pezeshkian has sought to ease tensions with the U.S., but faces the challenge of continued sanctions pressure even during talks. As a reformist president, he has less power than Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on nuclear policy.
Contact your representative about Congressional oversight of sanctions policy
civic action
Presidents control day-to-day sanctions policy through executive orders, but Congress can legislate additional sanctions or restrict presidential authority to lift them. Representatives can demand administration briefings on sanctions strategy and whether economic pressure undermines diplomatic negotiations. Congress can also pass legislation requiring Congressional approval before lifting certain sanctions.