Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, May 13: In a move that could cast a shadow over ongoing diplomatic efforts, the United States on Monday unveiled a fresh round of sanctions against Iran, citing continued concerns over Tehran’s expanding nuclear activities. The development comes even as both nations are engaged in sensitive negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The newly imposed sanctions target three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity, all reportedly linked to the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, commonly known by its Persian acronym SPND—an agency long suspected of aiding Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issuing a stern statement, accused Iran of “substantially expanding” its nuclear program and carrying out dual-use research that could be applied to both civilian and military purposes. He specifically pointed out Iran’s uranium enrichment to 60 percent purity—far beyond the 3.67 percent limit stipulated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal that the US withdrew from during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
"Iran continues to substantially expand its nuclear program and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems,” Rubio said. “It remains the only non-nuclear weapons state in the world enriching uranium to such high levels.”
Despite four rounds of negotiations in recent weeks, no significant breakthroughs have been reported. Still, officials on both sides have expressed cautious optimism about the potential for reaching a new understanding to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran continues to deny.
The latest sanctions freeze any assets the designated individuals and company might hold in the US and prohibit any business dealings with them. Among those targeted is a firm named Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, also known as Ideal Vacuum, which the State Department said has attempted to procure and develop equipment relevant to nuclear weapons research.
“Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists is an SPND-affiliated company that has attempted to procure from foreign suppliers, as well as indigenously fabricate, equipment that could be applicable in nuclear weapons research and development,” the department noted.
As the diplomatic tug-of-war continues, the latest US sanctions appear to reaffirm Washington’s tough stance even as it keeps the door open for negotiations. Whether these measures will stall progress or spur Iran toward a new agreement remains to be seen.