Russia offers mediation in US-Iran nuclear talks as US urges European allies to maintain sanctions

Key Developments

• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advocated for tougher sanctions on Iran and Russia during his confirmation hearing.
• The Treasury Department sanctioned multiple companies and vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments.
• A Chinese refinery in Shandong was sanctioned for purchasing over $1 billion worth of Iranian oil.
• Iran is accused by the U.S. of supporting militant groups in Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza.
• China's embassy in Washington condemned U.S. sanctions as violations of international trade norms.
• Iran confirmed the next round of nuclear talks with the U.S. will be held in Rome.
• Saudi Arabia's defense minister visited Tehran, the highest-ranking Saudi official visit since 1979.
• The IAEA's access to Iran's nuclear facilities is restricted but not entirely revoked.
• Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity.
• The IAEA is expected to verify Iran's compliance if a nuclear deal is reached.
• U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program.
• The U.S. State Department reiterated commitment to zero tolerance on Iran's illicit oil exports.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Russia is ready to mediate and assist in nuclear talks between Iran and the US.
• Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the first round of nuclear talks in Oman and sought Russia's support.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio anticipated an IAEA report indicating Iran is dangerously close to a nuclear weapon.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged British, French, and German officials to maintain sanctions against Iran during a meeting in Paris.
• Iran has abandoned all limits on its nuclear program since the 2018 collapse of the nuclear deal, enriching uranium up to 60% purity, near weapons-grade levels, raising international concerns about potential nuclear weapons development.
• Iranian officials warn they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, increasing international security concerns.
• Talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program are at a very crucial stage, with a new round of talks scheduled in Rome after the first meeting in Oman.
• Despite tensions, the IAEA's access to Iran's nuclear facilities has not been entirely revoked, although surveillance cameras have been disrupted and some inspectors barred.
• U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program if a deal is not reached, escalating tensions amid ongoing negotiations.
• The U.S. Treasury Department added several companies and vessels involved in Iranian oil shipments to its sanctions list as part of efforts to disrupt Iran's oil trade and its support for militant groups.
• Iran confirmed that the next round of nuclear talks with the U.S. will be held in Rome, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement on Tehran's nuclear program.
• The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Biden administration's sanctions policies during his confirmation hearing, calling for a more muscular sanctions system against Iran and Russia.
• Iran is accused by the U.S. of supporting militant groups including Yemen's Houthis, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza, which have launched attacks on international shipping and regional stability.
• China's embassy in Washington criticized the U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies, stating that the sanctions undermine international trade order, disrupt economic exchanges, and infringe on legitimate rights of Chinese entities.
• The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that any refinery, company, or broker purchasing Iranian oil risks sanctions, as the U.S. aims to disrupt Iran's oil supply chain used to support terrorist proxies.
• The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese refinery in Shandong province accused of purchasing over $1 billion worth of Iranian oil, which allegedly finances Tehran's government and support for militant groups.
• The U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that the Trump administration is committed to driving Iran's illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero and holding all sanctions evaders accountable.
• Saudi Arabia's defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, visited Tehran, marking the highest-ranking Saudi official visit since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations and discuss common interests.

Key Actors

Analysis & Perspectives