The White House issued a statement saying that President Trump signed an executive order that day imposing tariffs on countries that trade with Iran.
The statement said that, effective immediately, additional ad valorem tariffs, such as 25%, may be imposed on goods imported into the United States from countries that directly or indirectly purchase, import, or otherwise obtain goods and services from Iran.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement on February 6 local time, saying that the U.S. government is implementing "maximum pressure" on Iran to significantly reduce the Iranian government's "illicit oil and petrochemical exports."
The State Department stated that it will impose sanctions on 15 entities and 2 individuals related to transactions involving Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, or petrochemical products, and has identified 14 vessels as assets involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and related products.
The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, said that Trump administration officials have discussed whether to seize oil tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil. The report said that more than 20 ships transporting Iranian oil have been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department this year, making them potential targets for seizure.
The report also quoted some US officials as saying that the aforementioned pressure tactics face numerous obstacles. If the US takes action to prevent sanctioned ships from loading oil in Iran, it will squeeze Iran's main source of revenue. Iran is likely to retaliate against the US by seizing oil tankers carrying oil from its regional allies, or even laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. "Any action by Iran could significantly drive up oil prices and risk a political storm for the White House."
