The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran in reaction to continued nuclear escalations, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose, Blinken told reporters.
The action imposes sanctions on three companies based in the United Arab Emirates the US accused of being involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products, as well as 11 associated vessels.
Earlier this month, the Group of Seven rich nations warned Iran against advancing its nuclear enrichment program and said they would be ready to enforce new measures if Tehran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.
Iran rebuked the statement, calling on the G7 to distance itself from “destructive policies of the past”, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani.
Meanwhile, the UN nuclear watchdog’s 35-nation Board of Governors backed a resolution urging Iran to increase cooperation with the monitor and lift its recent ban on inspectors.
According to an IAEA yardstick, Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, which is close to 90% of weapons-grade, and has enough material refined to that level to produce three nuclear bombs if enhanced further.
Western countries claim there is no credible civilian explanation for this. Iran claims its goals are totally benign, but authorities have recently stated that it may change its “nuclear doctrine” if invaded or its existence is threatened by arch-foe Israel. That has raised concerns at the IAEA and in Western capitals.
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