US President Donald Trump has threatened sanctions against any country or individual purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemical products, escalating pressure on Tehran, Reuters reported on May 2.

"All purchases of Iranian oil, or petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!" Trump wrote on his Truth social platform, warning that those who proceed with such transactions would face sweeping US penalties.

Trump stated that any country or person buying these products from Iran could not do business with the United States "in any way, shape, or form," and "will be subject to, immediately, secondary sanctions." Secondary sanctions cut off targeted nations or companies from the American market, punishing them for trading with a third country.

While Trump did not specify how the administration would implement the ban, the threat risks straining already complicated US-China relations. China has absorbed more than 90% of Iranian oil exports over the past two years, remaining Tehran's largest customer according to tanker tracking data.

Oil markets reacted immediately to the announcement, with US West Texas Intermediate crude settling up 1.8% at $59.24 per barrel, while Brent crude gained 1.8% to reach $62.13 per barrel.

The warning came just a day after Washington imposed sanctions on seven companies accused of moving Iranian petroleum products. Iran's foreign ministry condemned what it described as "the contradictory approach of American decision-makers and their lack of goodwill and seriousness in advancing the path of diplomacy."

The rising tensions coincide with planned talks over Iran's nuclear programme being put on hold, complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve one of the world's most volatile disputes.

Following Trump's social media post, a senior Iranian military advisor to the Supreme Leader believes that the approach adopted by Donald Trump will lead America towards decline, Tasnim reported on May 2.

Major General Seyed Yahya Safavi, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader, made these comments during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Seyyed Al-Shohada operation in Fakkeh.

"Donald Trump's performance, as a rule-breaking and law-evading personality, causes disruption in the internal situation of the United States as well as instability in the international arena," Safavi stated.

He added, "Trump, by adopting a confrontational approach in foreign policy, has entered into tensions with many countries and displayed unconventional statements and actions. This process has disrupted America's internal situation and the world order and can lead to the weakening and decline of that country's position."