Washington DC [US], May 13 (ANI): The US Department of State announced on Monday sanctions against three Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity linked to Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), the successor to Iran’s pre-2004 nuclear weapons program known as the Amad Project. The sanctioned parties have been accused of contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Today, the Department of State is sanctioning three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity with ties to Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, known by its Persian acronym, SPND — the direct successor organization to Iran’s pre-2004 nuclear weapons program, also referred to as the Amad Project. All individuals sanctioned are involved in activities that materially contribute to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
The US has expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, noting that Iran remains the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium to 60 percent purity. The State Department accused Iran of using front companies and procurement agents to acquire dual-use items from foreign suppliers, further complicating global non-proliferation efforts.
“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,” the statement read. “Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing uranium enriched to 60 percent, and it continues to use front companies and procurement agents to obscure its efforts to acquire dual-use items from foreign suppliers.”
The sanctions aim to degrade and delay SPND’s capabilities to conduct research and development related to nuclear weapons. “Today’s actions demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” Rubio added.
Ongoing Negotiations
The announcement comes shortly after the conclusion of a fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Muscat, Oman. Baghaei, an Iranian negotiator, tweeted on Sunday, “The fourth round of indirect Iran-US negotiations is concluded; difficult but useful talks to better understand each other’s positions and to find reasonable and realistic ways to address the differences. The next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman.”
These negotiations are seen as part of the ongoing efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which former US President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term. The landmark deal allowed Iran to continue its civilian nuclear activities but imposed strict limitations on uranium enrichment to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
The international community remains vigilant as tensions persist over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US continues to push for diplomatic solutions while simultaneously imposing sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear activities.
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