The U.S. government has announced a new round of economic sanctions targeting Iranians, companies, and tanker vessels in an effort to decrease the revenue streams of Tehran just before crucial nuclear talks scheduled in Geneva. The sanctions, implemented by the Treasury Department, focus on individuals and activities that are deemed to contribute to Iran's military capabilities, particularly regarding missile development that poses threats to the U.S. and Europe.

In this latest round, four Iranian nationals along with multiple companies and twelve tanker ships, often referred to as the 'phantom fleet', have been blacklisted. These tankers are used by Iran to bypass U.S. oil export bans, thereby allowing the regime to continue funding both its military ambitions and domestic repression against its citizens. The move is framed by the U.S. as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Iran in light of its continued missile development activities.

As the deadline for the Geneva talks approaches, these sanctions are intended to weaken the Iranian government's financial foundation, thereby increasing U.S. leverage in negotiations. However, the effectiveness of these sanctions in influencing Iran's actions remains to be seen, especially in light of Tehran's historical resilience against external pressures. Critics may also argue that such measures disproportionately affect the Iranian population while allowing the government to maintain control over financial resources.