Trump Administration Hits Iran with New Sanctions Ahead of Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has imposed new sanctions on Iranian individuals and companies tied to missile and drone programs. The move comes just before fresh nuclear talks in Geneva. Officials say the measures are part of a renewed “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran.
Quick Look
- What: New U.S. sanctions on 30 Iranian-linked individuals, firms and ships
- Why: Targeting missile programs, drones and oil smuggling
- When: Announced ahead of Geneva nuclear talks
- Military Context: Expanded U.S. warship and aircraft presence in region
- Iran’s Position: Says nuclear program is peaceful
- U.S. Goal: Prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon
Trump Administration Imposes New Iran Sanctions Ahead of Nuclear Talks
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals, companies and vessels accused of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program, drone manufacturing and illicit oil trade, just days before renewed nuclear negotiations.
The U.S. Treasury Department said 30 people, firms and ships were added to its sanctions list. The action comes as President Donald Trump has increased military deployments in the Middle East and warned Tehran that military force remains an option if diplomacy fails.
Fresh talks between U.S. officials — including envoy Steve Witkoff — and Iranian negotiators are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, with Oman serving as mediator.
Targeting Iran’s “Shadow Fleet” and Drone Industry
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said the sanctions include vessels believed to be part of Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” — aging oil tankers accused of transporting sanctioned Iranian crude.
Also designated were companies linked to drone production, including Qods Aviation Industries, which U.S. officials say has supplied drones to branches of Iran’s military and buyers in Africa and Latin America.
Sanctions typically freeze any U.S.-based assets held by those named and prohibit American individuals and businesses from engaging in transactions with them. In many cases, however, the targets have limited exposure to U.S. financial systems, making the penalties partly symbolic but politically significant.
“Treasury will continue to put maximum pressure on Iran to target the regime’s weapons capabilities and support for terrorism,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
Rising Tensions Before Geneva Talks
The sanctions come amid one of the largest U.S. military buildups in the region in decades, with additional warships and aircraft deployed.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. During his State of the Union address Tuesday, he said Iran had resumed nuclear ambitions following U.S. strikes last June on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
“We wiped it out and they want to start all over again,” Trump said, adding that negotiations are underway but that Iran has yet to commit to forgoing nuclear weapons.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. Before the June strikes, Tehran had enriched uranium to 60% purity — below weapons-grade levels but closer than permitted under past agreements.
The upcoming Geneva talks will test whether renewed sanctions pressure will push Iran toward compromise or further escalate tensions.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.