The US Treasury Department issued new sanctions Wednesday targeting five Iranian entities and one individual supporting Iran’s nuclear program, just days before American and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Oman for talks.
Treasury officials designated the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its subordinate Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA) among the targeted entities. The sanctions also affect Thorium Power Company, Pars Reactors Construction and Development Company, and Azarab Industries Co. — all organizations involved in various aspects of Iran’s nuclear development efforts.
“The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. He emphasized that the Treasury would “continue to leverage our tools and authorities to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program and its broader destabilizing agenda.”
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump prepares to send senior envoys to Oman for direct talks with Iranian officials regarding the nuclear program. Trump warned that Iran would face “great danger” if the discussions fail to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear weapons development.
According to the Treasury statement, TESA plays a crucial role in Iran’s uranium enrichment through centrifuge production. The sanctioned companies support AEOI’s efforts through manufacturing, engineering, and construction services necessary for nuclear development.
The new measures block all property and interests of the designated entities in the United States and prohibit Americans from transacting with them. Additionally, any entities owned directly or indirectly by blocked persons are also subject to sanctions.
These sanctions were implemented under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction. The Treasury had previously designated AEOI in January 2020, and TESA in November 2011.
The US and other world powers reached a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran in 2015 that limited Tehran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, calling it the “worst deal ever.” Subsequent negotiations between Iran and the Biden administration failed to restore the agreement.
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