The United States may stop Iranian oil exports if it intensifies pressure on Tehran to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright told Reuters during a visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Wright emphasized that U.S. allies in the Gulf region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are deeply concerned about the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities. They share the U.S. stance that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, Wright added.
This marks the first official foreign visit for Secretary Wright since taking office. During his tour, which includes discussions with officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, Wright is expected to work on securing a stable global oil supply from countries not subject to U.S. sanctions.
In his efforts to pressure Iran, President Donald Trump has reinstated the “maximum pressure” campaign. The administration has tasked the Secretary of State with coordinating a robust strategy to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, including its crude oil shipments to China.
Following the tightening of sanctions on Iran’s oil trade, the U.S. is now seeking negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program.
High-level talks between the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday. Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi will serve as an intermediary in these indirect discussions.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wrote on social media Friday that Iran’s foreign minister is heading to Oman with full authority to engage in the talks. Shamkhani stated, “Tehran seeks a real, just deal—away from media show and rhetoric. Key proposals are ready. If Washington shows determination for a deal, the path to agreement will be clear.”
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