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US issues more Iran sanctions on eve of possible talks in Pakistan
TL;DR
The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting 14 individuals and entities linked to weapon components. This move precedes potential talks aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts between the two nations.
Key points
- US issues new sanctions against Iran
- 14 individuals and entities targeted
- Sanctions aim to increase financial pressure on Iran
- Possible talks to resolve fighting are imminent
- Iran may seek sanctions relief in negotiations
Mentioned in this story
US Department of the TreasuryDonald TrumpScott BessentIran
The United States has issued a new round of sanctions against Iran on the eve of possible talks to close more of seven weeks of fighting between the two countries.
The US Department of the Treasury announced the penalties on Tuesday, targeting 14 individuals and entities it accused of helping Iran acquire weapon components.
The sanctions highlight US President Donald Trump’s push to increase the financial pressure on Iran as he seeks major concessions to end the war. Iran is likely to demand sanctions relief as part of any future agreement.
“The Iranian regime must be held accountable for its extortion of global energy markets and indiscriminate targeting of civilians with missiles and drones,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury will continue to follow the money and target the Iranian regime’s recklessness and those who enable it.”
The sanctions come as talks between US and Iranian officials — scheduled for Wednesday in Pakistan — are up in the air, with Tehran refusing to commit to attending due to the ongoing US blockade against its ports.
Shortly after the sanctions were announced, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he would extend an existing ceasefire that was initially scheduled for two weeks.
Its expiry was set for Wednesday. Trump had previously said that he did not want to extend it.
But in his sudden about-face, Trump said the pause in the fighting would continue “until such time as [Iran’s] leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal”.
Tuesday’s economic penalties were imposed against companies and people based in Iran, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
They include Chabok FZCO, a Dubai-based firm that the US government accused of procuring “sensors other US-origin aircraft components” for the Iranian airline Mahan Air.
The sanctions also target Kamal Sabah Balkhkanlu, an Iranian money exchanger, and several individuals the Treasury Department said are involved “in procuring or transporting weapons or weapons components” on behalf of Tehran.
“As the United States continues to deplete Iran’s ballistic missile inventories, the regime is seeking to reconstitute its production capacity,” the Treasury said.
Q&A
What are the new US sanctions against Iran about?
The new US sanctions target 14 individuals and entities accused of assisting Iran in acquiring weapon components.
Why is the US increasing sanctions on Iran now?
The US is increasing sanctions to apply financial pressure on Iran ahead of possible talks to resolve weeks of fighting.
What does Iran want in exchange for negotiations?
Iran is likely to demand sanctions relief as part of any future agreement during negotiations.
Who announced the new sanctions against Iran?
The sanctions were announced by the US Department of the Treasury, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commenting on the situation.
