The United States has introduced new sanctions today against Iran regarding its nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations between the two nations on this delicate matter.
The recent sanctions focus on three Iranian individuals and one entity linked to Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research, commonly referred to by its Persian acronym SPND.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran is the only country globally without nuclear weapons that enriches uranium to a purity level of 60%.
“Iran continues to significantly expand its nuclear program and engage in dual-use research and development activities relevant to nuclear weapons and their delivery systems,” Mr. Rubio commented in a statement.
The United States announced these new sanctions just a day after the conclusion of a fourth round of discussions with Iran. Although no significant breakthroughs were reported, both parties expressed cautious optimism.
The negotiations, which began last month, aim to establish a new agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran denies.
The sanctions will freeze any assets that the individuals and entities targeted may hold in America and will prohibit any business transactions with them.
The measures specifically target three senior officials involved in the nuclear program and a company named Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists.
“Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, also known as Ideal Vacuum, is an SPND-affiliated company that has sought to acquire equipment from international suppliers and has also attempted to fabricate such equipment domestically, which could be applicable in nuclear weapons research and development,” the US State Department stated.
