The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, targeting five entities and one individual for their support of Tehran’s nuclear program. The sanctions come two days after President Donald Trump announced plans for direct talks with Iran regarding its nuclear efforts.
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that the sanctions were intended to hinder Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, which U.S. officials regard as a serious threat to global security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized, “Treasury will continue to leverage our tools to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program.”
These measures come after Trump’s surprise announcement on Monday that direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were set to begin. However, Iran’s foreign minister clarified that talks in Oman would be indirect. Trump also issued a stern warning that failure in the talks would put Iran in “great danger.”
The sanctioned entities include companies involved in the manufacturing of aluminum for Iran’s nuclear program and those supporting the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its subsidiary, the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA). These organizations manage Iran’s nuclear projects, which Western nations view with suspicion as potentially leading to the development of nuclear weapons.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reiterated that additional sanctions would follow if no agreement is reached. The nuclear dispute between Iran and world powers, which has spanned more than two decades, remains unresolved since Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Despite the renewed efforts for dialogue, Iranian officials have expressed skepticism, citing a lack of confidence in U.S. intentions.
