Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 31: The United States announced sanctions on 10 entities and individuals based in Iran and Venezuela, accusing Tehran of supplying conventional weapons to Caracas and threatening US interests across the Western Hemisphere, including the homeland.

The US Department of State and the Treasury stated that a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions had facilitated the sale of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-designed combat drones, according to Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face consequences “more powerful than the last time” if it resumes prohibited military activities, while also expressing willingness to pursue renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

“Iran may be behaving badly, but if it’s confirmed… consequences will be very powerful,” Trump said at a Mar-a-Lago news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He noted that intelligence suggested Iran could be seeking alternative sites for military operations following previous US strikes. “The sites were obliterated, but they’re looking at other sites. And if they’re doing that, they’re making a big mistake,” he added.

When asked about potential bilateral talks, Trump confirmed, “Yeah. I would. Sure,” emphasizing that he had previously urged negotiations before the situation escalated. “I said, let’s negotiate and they didn’t believe what was going to happen would happen. Now they believe me,” he remarked.

Trump highlighted that limiting Iran’s regional influence is essential for broader peace in the Middle East, asserting, “If they build up, there can’t be peace in the Middle East.”