Washington targets Iran’s SPND in fresh sanctions over nuclear concerns

The US State Department has announced the expansion of sanctions against Iran, despite ongoing indirect talks between Washington and Tehran on the Iranian nuclear issue.

“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, which is 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,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the State Department’s press statement published on its website.

The statement condemns Iran for continuing to substantially expand its nuclear program and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems.

“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 Department asserts.

According to the statement, by imposing new sanctions, the US seeks “to delay and degrade the ability of SPND to conduct nuclear weapons research and development.”

“Today’s actions demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

The Department of State’s action “targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters.”

Let's mention that the latest round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks concluded recently in Muscat, Oman, as both sides continue to navigate complex negotiations amid ongoing tensions.

The fourth round of discussions, held in Muscat, was described by U.S. officials as "encouraging," while Iranian representatives termed them "difficult but useful." Omani mediators facilitated the talks, with both parties showing a commitment to finding realistic solutions.

However, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran's insistence on retaining its enriched uranium stockpile and the U.S.'s demand for its transfer to a third country.

By Khagan Isayev