US and Iran: Negotiation Deadlock and New Sanctions

The US has delivered an official response to Iran's settlement plan via Qatar. Talks have reached a deadlock due to a dispute over the sequence of steps: Tehran demands sanctions relief and normalization of shipping, while Washington insists on nuclear concessions.

The US administration is simultaneously intensifying economic pressure. Sanctions have been imposed on 13 individuals and entities in Russia, China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan linked to purchasing weapons for Iran.

• Sanctions target companies supplying components for armaments
• Washington rejects accusations of making concessions
• Diplomacy remains the main channel for dialogue through intermediaries

Against the backdrop of geopolitical tension, the US has offered oil companies loans of up to 40 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This is the final tranche of 172 million barrels allocated for market stabilization.

SPR reserves have dropped to their lowest level since 1982 — below 284 million barrels. The measure aims to increase oil supply amid high prices and risks of disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.