Trump sanctions Iran
Introduction:
Just days before key diplomatic talks in Oman, Trump sanctions Iran, escalating tensions over its nuclear program. The new penalties hit five entities and one individual accused of supporting Tehran’s efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities.
Sanctions Target Iran’s Nuclear Network
Trump sanctions Iran
The Treasury Department announced the latest sanctions on Wednesday, stating that the targeted entities were helping advance Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Iran’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and global stability,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
He emphasized that the U.S. would continue to disrupt any activity that supports Iran’s nuclear agenda.
Tensions Rise Ahead of Diplomatic Talks
Although President Trump has expressed openness to negotiating with Iran, the continued pressure campaign signals otherwise. These sanctions follow the hardline “maximum pressure” approach from his previous term.
Iran Responds With Skepticism
In a Washington Post op-ed, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the sanctions, accusing the U.S. of bad-faith diplomacy.
He wrote that the U.S.’s “insistence on pressure tactics” before negotiations only deepens Iran’s distrust and questions “Washington’s sincerity.”
