US imposes new sanctions on Iran over nuclear escalations
- In Reports
- 05:45 PM, Jun 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has announced sanctions against shipping companies that transported Iranian oil, citing it as a response to Tehran's nuclear "escalation." The announcement comes on the eve of presidential elections in the Islamic republic.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a statement that Iran had announced steps in the past month to further develop its nuclear programme, which he asserted lacked credible peaceful purposes.
He announced that the United States was imposing sanctions in response to these ongoing nuclear escalations, affirming the country's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Blinken emphasised readiness to utilise all elements of national power to achieve this objective.
The US State Department has imposed sanctions on three shipping companies based in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly transporting Iranian oil, along with sanctions on 11 associated vessels.
These measures freeze any assets the companies hold in the United States and criminalise transactions between them and US entities. Former President Donald Trump previously implemented a comprehensive unilateral ban on Iranian oil purchases when he withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.
President Joe Biden's administration initially aimed to revive the 2015 agreement but abandoned negotiations after facing significant internal protests in Iran and recent tensions concerning Iran's support for Palestinian militants Hamas.
Earlier this month, the UN nuclear watchdog reported that Iran is continuing to expand its nuclear capabilities. Tehran informed the agency that it is installing additional cascades at its enrichment facilities.
Iran's government, led by clerics, denies any intention of developing nuclear weapons. On Friday, Iran will hold presidential elections following the death of conservative Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Image source: Reuters
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