The United States expanded sanctions on the Iranian metals sector linked to Tehran's military and nuclear activities today, Saturday.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted: "I greatly expanded the sanctions framework related to metals today, targeting Iran's nuclear, military, and ballistic missile programs. As long as these threats remain, the sanctions will too." On December 16, the United States imposed new sanctions against Iran targeting an individual and five companies in China and the United Arab Emirates due to their connections to Iran's petrochemical sales. The sanctions targeted Dongai International Ship Management and Petrochem Southeast, based in China, as well as Alpha Tech Trading and Petrolines Trading, based in the UAE. On the same day, the Islamic Republic confirmed its commitment to implementing the parliament's decision to increase uranium enrichment. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi stated that "Iran is committed to and obliged to implement the decisions of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (parliament) after it surpasses its legal procedures." U.S.-Iranian relations have experienced tension and escalation on multiple fronts following President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Tehran and the imposition of severe sanctions on the Islamic Republic that encompassed all sectors. Washington is also intensifying political pressure on Iran and enhancing its military presence in the Middle East.
