The United States has unveiled a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear activities, ramping up pressure just days before high-stakes diplomatic talks are set to take place in Oman.
This was disclosed by the US Department of State made the announcement through its official website, highlighting the action as part of its broader strategy to counter nuclear proliferation.
The Treasury Department, on Wednesday, stating the sanctions on five entities and one individual based in Iran. The targets are said to support key institutions managing the country’s nuclear program, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA), which operates under the AEOI.
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“Today, the United States is sanctioning five entities and one individual based in Iran that support key entities managing and overseeing Iran’s nuclear program, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the AEOI-subordinate Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA),” the Treasury stated.
The department explained that the action, which falls under Executive Order 13382 — aimed at curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters — is part of ongoing efforts to hinder Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Today’s action, which targets persons procuring or manufacturing critical technologies for TESA and AEOI, is taken in support of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran.
“The United States will continue to hold accountable those who seek to support Iran’s nuclear program, to include its proliferation-sensitive uranium enrichment activities,” the statement added.
Although the new sanctions are largely symbolic — considering the wide-reaching restrictions already placed on Iran’s nuclear program — the move signals Washington’s firm stance as negotiations approach.
“The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
He also pledged to “disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program.”
Iran, for its part, denies any intention to build nuclear weapons. While USintelligence has not determined that Tehran is actively pursuing a nuclear bomb, it acknowledges that the country possesses the capacity to do so rapidly if it decides to.
Trump, who previously withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord, has signaled a desire for diplomatic resolution but has also made clear that other options remain on the table.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu added further tension to the situation, stating on Tuesday that military action would be “inevitable” if negotiations continue without progress.
(US Department of State)
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