Washington Considers Seizing Iranian Oil Tankers .. New Escalation Against Tehran
A notable development reflecting the escalating tension between Washington and Tehran, the U.S. administration is considering new steps to pressure Iran, including the seizure of additional Iranian oil tankers as part of efforts to push it towards a new agreement, amid Iranian field movements that reflect increasing concern about the possibility of attacks on its facilities.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions this year on more than 20 ships believed to be transporting Iranian oil, making them potential targets for future seizure actions.
This is part of a strategy aimed at tightening the noose on Iranian oil exports, which constitute a vital economic lifeline for Tehran.
* Fortifications in Isfahan
In conjunction with these movements, the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington revealed that recent satellite images showed all entrances to the tunnels leading to the Iranian nuclear site in Isfahan buried under dirt.
The institute believes that this step reflects Iranian fears of the facility being targeted by U.S. or Israeli strikes, whether through air raids or specific military operations.
* Netanyahu in Washington
The rapid developments coincided with the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, where he is expected to hold a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump focusing primarily on security and regional issues, particularly the Iranian file and developments in Palestinian territories.
Before his anticipated meeting at the White House, Netanyahu met with both Steve Mnuchin and Jared Kushner.
According to what was reported by Yedioth Ahronoth from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the attendees discussed updates from the first round of talks held with Iran last Friday, in addition to other regional files.
* Background of the Scene
Netanyahu's visit comes amid rising tensions regarding recent Israeli actions in the West Bank, coinciding with U.S.-Iranian negotiations over the nuclear program.
As Washington considers the option of seizing oil tankers, and Iran moves to fortify its nuclear facilities, it seems that the region stands at a sensitive stage that could redraw the contours of political and security confrontation between the concerned parties.
Upcoming developments will determine whether these pressures will lead to a new agreement … or to broader escalation in the region.
