The United States announced new sanctions against Iran on Monday, targeting Tehran’s nuclear energy programme amid ongoing negotiations between the two sides.
The sanctions focus particularly on three Iranian nationals and an Iranian entity reportedly linked to the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a press release issued by the State Department that Iran was continuing to significantly expand its nuclear programme and was carrying out dual-use research and development activities that could be applicable to nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
Rubio also pointed out that Iran was the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that was enriching uranium to 60% purity.
Iran is currently enriching uranium at 60%, well above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 international nuclear agreement, though still below the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material. Its stockpiles of fissile material have raised concerns among Western governments and Israel.
The sanctions were announced a day after US and Iranian delegations concluded a fourth round of nuclear negotiations in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Sunday. While no major breakthroughs were announced, both sides reportedly expressed cautious optimism.
The indirect talks, which began on 12 April, aim to reach a new agreement to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal – something Tehran has consistently denied seeking – in exchange for partial sanctions relief to ease pressure on the Iranian economy.
The new sanctions include freezing any assets held under US jurisdiction and banning any US persons or entities from engaging in transactions with the targeted individuals or organisations. The measures target three Iranian officials and scientists, as well as the company Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, also known as Ideal Vacuum.
According to the US State Department, the company, reportedly linked to the SPND, had attempted to procure equipment from abroad that could be used in nuclear weapons research and development.
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Featured photo source: Reuters
Source: ANA-MPA / AFP
