sanctions
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Iran: Hormuz Stays Closed Until Seven Conditions Are Met
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington meets seven conditions tied to the June Islamabad memorandum, hardening a closure now in its second week.
Iranian Rial Hits Record Low as Hormuz Tanker Strikes Continue
Iran's currency broke 2.7 million rials to the dollar on Oct. 4 as a fresh tanker strike in the Strait of Hormuz and expanding U.S. sanctions deepen the economic crisis.
Ukraine Seeks Tighter Sanctions After Drone Strikes Snarl Kyiv Bridges
Ukraine is pushing allies for tighter sanctions on Russia after drone strikes on three Kyiv bridges triggered citywide traffic gridlock, officials said Friday.
Putin Says Russia Will Withhold Diesel Exports Until Sanctions End
President Vladimir Putin said Russia will not resume diesel sales to global markets until Western sanctions on Moscow are lifted, a threat landing as fuel markets face pressure.
IRGC Spokesperson Calls Trump a 'Big Liar' on Iran Nuclear Claims
An IRGC spokesperson said Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and accused Trump of misleading Americans, as Tehran separately threatens Mideast infrastructure strikes.
Kremlin Urges Iran to Remain in Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Russia's Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wants Iran to stay a 'responsible party' to the NPT, after Tehran officials floated withdrawal amid renewed U.S. sanctions friction.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Persist as Iran, US Drift Further From Deal
Iran and the US remain apart on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Trump rejected Tehran's latest ceasefire terms, with officials citing sanctions leverage and stalled talks.
China's 80% Grip on Iranian Oil Looms Over Trump-Xi White House Summit
Beijing controls roughly 80 percent of Iran's crude exports and appears to be signaling that leverage ahead of a high-stakes White House summit with President Trump on September 24.
South Korea's Lee Brings Nuclear Freeze Offer to UN General Assembly
South Korean President Lee plans to propose phased denuclearization of North Korea at the UN General Assembly, urging Washington to ease sanctions in exchange for a nuclear freeze.
Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill to Cut Moscow's Ukraine War Funds
Trump signed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation Thursday, granting the administration new tariff powers aimed at cutting off Moscow's Ukraine war funding.
Russia's $118 Billion Arctic Oil Bet Pushes Ahead Despite Sanctions
The Kremlin's Vostok Oil project in Russia's Far North advances despite Western sanctions, as Moscow prioritizes Arctic dominance and crude export capacity through the Ukraine war.
Russia Repurposes Training Missiles for Ballistic Assault on Ukraine
A Reuters investigation reveals Russia has converted a training missile variant for live ballistic strikes on Ukraine, exposing strain on Kremlin munitions inventories under wartime pressure.
Russia Warns Trump Sanctions Would Derail Ukraine Peace Talks
Moscow says proposed US sanctions legislation targeting Russian oil exports, if signed by Trump, would make a negotiated end to the war harder to reach.
House to Vote on Russia Sanctions Bill Backed by Late Senator Graham
The U.S. House is set to vote on Russia sanctions legislation championed by the late Senator Graham as Moscow escalates strikes on Ukrainian targets and peace talks face mounting criticism.
Kim Jong Un Expands State-Sanctioned Fun While Shunning US Talks
North Korea's Kim Jong Un pushes state-run entertainment programs as analysts say Pyongyang sees little to gain from renewed nuclear negotiations with Washington.
IAEA Board Refers Iran Nuclear File to UN Security Council
The IAEA Board of Governors voted to refer Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council; Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the resolution Thursday.
IAEA Refers Iran to UN Security Council Over Nuclear Non-Compliance
The IAEA board voted to refer Iran to the UN Security Council for nuclear non-compliance, the first such action in more than two decades, backed by Western nations.
North Korea and Russia Open First Road Bridge as Putin-Kim Ties Deepen
Moscow and Pyongyang inaugurated their first road bridge linking the two nations, cementing a strategic partnership that is reshaping alignments from the Pacific to Eastern Europe.
Ukraine Pushes Congress for Russia Sanctions Before Election Recess
Ukraine's top sanctions official expresses optimism about a sweeping Russia sanctions bill despite uncertainty over whether the House will schedule a vote before recess.
Iran Turns BRICS Judicial Framework Into Strategic Diplomacy Tool
Iran's judiciary chief held talks with China, Russia, and Belarus counterparts to convert legal cooperation into a pillar of strategic alliance-building outside Western institutions.
Milei Vows Tougher Sanctions and Defense Push Over Falklands Oil Drilling
Argentina's President Milei pledges escalating economic pressure and a defense buildup as British oil exploration in disputed Falklands waters becomes a flashpoint.
Bessent Blames Ukraine's Russia Strikes for Rising Energy Prices
Treasury Secretary Bessent attributes rising energy prices to Ukraine's strikes on Russian infrastructure, as Turkey pivots to U.S. crude and markets absorb a volatile week.
U.S. Oil Deal Displaces China and Russia From Venezuelan Fields
A U.S. oil company tied to a Venezuelan tycoon will replace Chinese and Russian operators at several Venezuelan oil fields, reshaping South American energy politics.
Ukraine to Lobby US as Russia Sanctions Bill Hangs in the Balance
Kyiv is preparing a diplomatic push in Washington to shore up support for Russia sanctions legislation whose passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress, Reuters reports.
US-Venezuela Oil Deal: What We Know and What Critics Are Saying
Trump's deal grants the United States access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves, but few details have emerged and critics are calling it a resource takeover.
Trump Claims 'Biggest Oil Deal in World History' with Venezuela
President Trump announced what he called the biggest oil deal in world history with Venezuela as Chevron finalizes plans to migrate and expand production projects.
Oil Prices Fall as Iran and Oman Weigh Temporary Hormuz Deal
WTI and Brent crude drop nearly 7% and 9% in five days as Iran and Oman explore a temporary Hormuz deal while Washington pivots from airstrikes to economic sanctions.
China Buys Most of Iran's Oil. Can US Sanctions Change That?
The US expanded its Iran sanctions this week, putting global buyers on notice. Experts say Washington is wary of pushing China too hard—leaving the biggest loophole open.
China's Iran Oil Purchases Face Scrutiny as US Readies Sanctions
Looming US sanctions on Iran have placed China's sustained crude oil purchases under international scrutiny, with Beijing vowing to protect its economic interests.
Trump to Meet Kim Jong Un as North Korea Claims Economic Revival
President Trump says he will meet Kim Jong Un as North Korea reports a period of economic growth, raising questions about what either side can credibly offer at the table.
Iran Threatens Hormuz Blockade as US Sanctions Pressure Mounts
Tehran warns it will target neighboring states' interests if they join Washington's economic campaign, while granting Iraq a limited Hormuz exemption after Baghdad pledges neutrality.
China Won't Help Washington Squeeze Iran's Oil Revenues
Trump's maximum-pressure campaign against Iran depends on Beijing cutting off Tehran's primary crude market—but China, the top buyer, appears unwilling to cooperate.
Trump Says Iran 'Can Do Very Bad Things,' Calls IRGC 'Still Strong'
President Trump warned Friday that Iran retains serious destructive capacity and acknowledged the IRGC remains powerful, as he declared Tehran not ready for a nuclear deal.
Oil Bulls Surge as Iran Deal Collapses, Hormuz Stays Restricted
October WTI crude futures jumped 5.91% to $86.31 as the collapse of Iran nuclear talks and ongoing Hormuz shipping restrictions pushed oil bulls back into control.
UAE Imposes Indefinite Trade Embargo on Iran After Missile Strikes
The UAE announced an indefinite trade embargo on Iran on Wednesday, citing Tuesday's ballistic missile strikes on its territory. Iran denies the attack and calls it a false flag.
Russians Withdraw Billions From Banks Amid Fears Putin Could Seize Deposits
Russian citizens have pulled billions from domestic banks, fearing the Kremlin may confiscate private savings as wartime financial pressure mounts on Moscow.
Oil Holds Steady as US-Iran Peace Talks Stall, Hormuz Shipping Slows
Crude prices marked time Monday as US-Iran negotiations reached an impasse and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz thinned, keeping energy markets on edge.
Trump Vows to Declare Hormuz a U.S. Territory as Iran Talks Stall
President Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory while threatening new economic pressure on Iran as ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked.
Oil Near One-Week Highs as Iran Talks Stall on Compensation Dispute
Trump demands fifty years of financial reparations from Iran as Strait of Hormuz negotiations stall, pushing crude to near one-week highs while Asian stocks drift.
Russian Sanctions Tanker Spills Oil Off Oman, Slick Spreads Across Wide Area
A tanker operating under Western sanctions against Russia's oil trade has caused a major oil spill off Oman, with the slick spreading over a large stretch of the Arabian Sea, Reuters reported.
Ukraine's 'Long-Range Sanctions': Inside the Drone Units Hitting Russia
Ukraine reframes its deep-strike drone program as economic warfare, hoping targeted hits on Russian industry create fear and measurable losses inside Russia.
US Treasury Sanctions Iran Mahan Air Networks in India, China, Russia
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions against financial networks in India, China, and Russia supporting Mahan Air and the IRGC, which he called a terrorist enterprise.
North Korea's Economy Grows on Russia Arms Revenue and China Trade
Bloomberg reports North Korea posted economic gains in 2025 as weapons exports to Russia and expanded China commerce offset years of international sanctions pressure.
IRGC Attacks US Forces in Jordan in First Strike Since Trump's Pause
The IRGC fired missiles at US forces in Jordan on Tuesday, the first confirmed Iranian attack since Trump suspended the US strike campaign against Tehran.
Zelenskyy Meets Trump at White House, Pushes Joint Patriot Production
Zelenskyy called his White House meeting with Trump 'good,' with talks focused on joint Patriot missile production inside Ukraine to strengthen air defenses.
Zelenskiy to Meet U.S. Senators as Congress Eyes New Russia Sanctions
Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet U.S. senators as Congress prepares a Russia sanctions vote, while Pentagon aid disbursement timelines add urgency to Ukraine's diplomatic push.
Trump-Turkey Deal Loosens Sanctions on Russia's Arms Buyers
India and other major buyers of Russian weapons stand to benefit after the Trump administration eased CAATSA sanctions restrictions through a new deal with Ankara.
A Divided World Is North Korea's Greatest Asset
Geopolitical fractures between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow have dismantled the UN sanctions architecture that once constrained Pyongyang's nuclear program, handing Kim Jong Un a historic strategic opening.
Ukraine Hits Russia's Command Network as War Reaches the Homeland
Ukraine has struck deep into Russia's command infrastructure, triggering a domestic crisis that analysts say threatens Moscow's war effort more than any battlefield reversal.
Iran's Hormuz Gamble: Muscle Over Diplomacy as Trump Deal Unravels
Tehran chose to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and strike U.S. allies rather than hold to its MOU with Washington — analysts say the nuclear clock may now be running faster.
Iran Oil Backs Up at Sea as Chinese Refiners Shift to Gulf Rivals
Iran's sanctioned crude is piling up at sea as China's independent refiners pivot to rival Gulf suppliers, traders say, squeezing Tehran's oil revenues.
Graham Urges China to Pressure Russia as Senate Strikes Sanctions Deal
Senator Graham called on China to press Russia toward peace in Ukraine as senators announced a deal with Trump on new sanctions and his administration backed Russian oil tariffs.
China Expands Anti-Sanctions Toolkit, Raising Risks for Foreign Firms
Beijing is rolling out new countermeasures against U.S. and EU export controls and sanctions, increasing legal and operational risk for multinationals operating in China.
Iran's $24 Billion Asset Release Hinges on OFAC Paperwork
Iranian state media reported a $24 billion asset release tied to the Geneva accord. Treasury has not yet published the OFAC paperwork that gives banks legal cover to move the money.
Russia Eyes $13.6B Windfall From Hormuz Oil Spike
Moscow expects to pocket $13.6 billion from elevated crude prices tied to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, as Houthi pressure and US diplomacy keep the region on edge.
Iran Oil Exports Crash to Six-Year Low Under US Blockade
Iran's crude exports fell to 209,000 barrels per day in May, down 84 percent from April, as the US naval blockade chokes off shipments and strands tens of millions of barrels at sea.
IRGC fires on Hormuz ships as Vance says US, Iran 'very close' to deal
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opened fire on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz Friday morning, hours after Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran are near a memorandum extending the 60-day ceasefire.
Treasury Sanctions Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority Under OFAC List
OFAC added the Persian Gulf Strait Authority — the body Iran created to administer Hormuz transit fees — to its Iran sanctions list hours after fresh US strikes near Bandar Abbas.
IRGC Bars Vessels From 'Hostile Countries' From Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guard moves from a coordination regime to an explicit ban list at Hormuz, with criteria for 'hostile' undisclosed and Gulf shippers already sailing dark.
Hormuz Reopens in Fact as Washington and Tehran Argue the Terms
Tankers are transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a US official says no mines were found, and Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to reopen the chokepoint — even as the paper deal remains contested.
Iran objects to revised draft terms, citing asset-unfreeze mechanism
Less than a day after Trump called a deal 'largely negotiated,' Tehran is pushing back on revised draft terms, with the mechanism for unfreezing Iranian assets at the center of the dispute.
EU Parliament Votes 516-14 to Demand Broader Iran Sanctions
Strasbourg lawmakers passed a sweeping non-binding resolution Thursday urging EU Council action on the IRGC, Iran's judiciary and prison officials, raising the political floor for any nuclear deal.
Iran Declares Hormuz Authorisation Zone Hours After Trump Cites 'Final Stages'
Tehran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority published map coordinates for a controlled maritime zone requiring transit authorisation, hours after the US president said talks were in final stages.
Iran's Floating Oil Stockpile Jumps 65% as US Blockade Bites
Iranian crude stored on tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz has jumped 65 percent since the US naval blockade began mid-April, FT shipping data shows, as Tehran searches for ways to circumvent the choke.
Iran Retains 70% of Missile Stockpile, ISW Warns of Rebuilt War Capacity
ISW assessed that Iran has restored access to 30 of 33 Hormuz-region missile sites and retains roughly 70% of its pre-war stockpile, as IRGC launches major exercises and rejects the US peace plan as surrender.
Trump Weighs Resuming Combat as Iran Ceasefire Hangs by Thread
Trump is more seriously considering resuming combat operations after Iran's ceasefire counterproposal — demanding reparations and Hormuz sovereignty — was rejected as garbage.
US Sanctions 12 Entities Routing Iranian Oil to China
Treasury designates 12 front companies across Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman as Bessent links Beijing's energy purchases to Iranian terrorism financing.
Iran Launches Hormuz Toll Agency, Charges $2M Per Ship
Iran's new Persian Gulf Strait Authority demands up to $2M per vessel to transit Hormuz, forcing shipping operators into a legal collision with U.S. secondary sanctions.
OFAC Warns: Paying Iran's Hormuz Crypto Toll Triggers Sanctions
Treasury's OFAC issued a May 1 alert warning that any payment to Iran for Hormuz transit — fiat, crypto, stablecoins, or informal swaps — exposes both US and non-US persons to sanctions.
What does 'sanctions' actually mean? A mechanical explainer
The word 'sanctions' covers a dozen different mechanisms with vastly different impact. Here's how primary, secondary, and unilateral sanctions work — what bites, what doesn't, and why Iran is still functioning under maximum-pressure.
What is the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), and where does it stand now?
The 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, what it actually required, why the US withdrew in 2018, and the current state of Iran's nuclear program. The backstory behind every Iran cycle.