Washington:
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran in response to its nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations between the two nations on the matter.
The new sanctions specifically target three Iranian individuals and an entity associated with Tehran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
“Iran’s nuclear program continues to expand significantly, engaging in research and development activities that could be used for nuclear weapons and their delivery systems,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He highlighted that Iran is the only country enriching uranium to 60 percent purity without possessing nuclear weapons, far surpassing the 3.67 percent limit under the 2015 nuclear agreement that former US President Donald Trump withdrew from. Enrichment to 90 percent is necessary for building a nuclear weapon.
The announcement of these sanctions followed the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between the US and Iran, with no major breakthrough but both sides expressing cautious optimism.
The ongoing discussions aim to reach a new deal preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
The sanctions involve freezing any assets held by the targeted individuals and entity in the US, as well as prohibiting any business transactions with them.
Among the targets are three senior officials from the Iranian nuclear program and a company known as Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists.
“Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, also known as Ideal Vacuum, is an SPND-affiliated entity that has sought to acquire equipment from foreign suppliers and domestically produce items applicable to nuclear weapons research and development,” as per the State Department.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
