On eve of nuclear talks, Trump hits Iran with new sanctions
The Hill
by Ellen MitchellFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Iranian individuals, companies, and ships accused of facilitating illicit oil sales and supporting ballistic missile programs, just ahead of crucial nuclear talks with Iran. This move by President Trump is seen as a direct challenge to Tehran’s efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, which was partially abandoned by Washington in 2018. The sanctions target entities linked to Iran’s attempts to circumvent international oil export restrictions, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
These measures come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a multilateral agreement that limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for economic incentives. Critics argue that the new sanctions could complicate negotiations by hardening Tehran’s stance, as Iran has already demanded significant concessions from the U.S., including the removal of all sanctions and an apology for past actions. The timing of these sanctions, just days before the talks began, raises questions about their impact on the diplomatic process.
The move also reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to maintain pressure on Iran, even as it engages in dialogue. While the U.S. claims the sanctions are aimed at curbing Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear program and regional influence, Tehran has dismissed them as an attempt to undermine the talks from the outset. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation in addressing one of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/26/2026