US Sanctions on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Washington: The US has introduced new sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program, despite ongoing negotiations between the two countries on sensitive matters.

The recent sanctions focus on three Iranian individuals and groups affiliated with Tehran’s defense innovation and research organizations, commonly referred to as SPND.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Iran is significantly expanding its nuclear program and continues dual-use research related to nuclear and weapon delivery systems.

He noted that Iran is the only nation without nuclear weapons that enriches uranium to 60% purity.

This level far exceeds the 3.67% limit established by the 2015 nuclear agreement, which the US abandoned during Donald Trump’s presidency. For nuclear weapons, 90% enrichment is necessary.

The announcement of new sanctions came the day after the fourth round of discussions with Iran. While no major advances were reported, both sides exhibited cautious hope.

These negotiations, which began last month, aim to establish a new agreement that would inhibit Iran from developing nuclear weapons, though Tehran insists it is not pursuing such capabilities.

The sanctions will freeze assets of the individuals and organizations involved in the US and prohibit any business transactions with them.

They specifically target three high-ranking officials in the nuclear program and a company named Fuya Pars Future Engineers.

“The engineers at Fuya Pars, known as the ideal vacuum, are part of SPND companies that focused on sourcing equipment from foreign suppliers, which is applicable to domestic production and nuclear weapon R&D.