US announces fresh sanctions on Iran in final days of Trump to curb nuclear programs

In final week of outgoing US President Donald Trump’s administration, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on January 15 anunced fresh sanctions on firms in Iran, China and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for doing business with Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines along with three or Iranian entities over conventional arms proliferation. In a statement, Pompeo had said that Iranian conventional arms proliferation poses a “persistent threat” to both regional and international security. This is also latest move by Washington against Tehran aimed at pressuring Iran in closing days of Trump presidency, that ends on January 20, and witnessed strained relations between both nations.

Mike Pompeo said in a statement, “Today, we are anuncing designation of Iran’s Marine Industries Organization (MIO), Aero Industries Organization (AIO), and Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) for engaging in activities that materially contribute to supply, sale, or transfer, directly or indirectly, to or from Iran, or for use in or benefit of Iran, of arms or related materiel, including spare parts.”

“We call upon all states to prohibit sale, supply, or transfer of arms or related material to or from Iran.   United States will continue working with its partners in international community to pressure Iranian regime to fundamentally change its behaviour,” he added.

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China and UAE-based companies also sanctioned

US Secretary of State also said that Washington had sanctioned at least seven companies including China-based Jiangyin Mascot Special Steel Co and UAE-based Accenture Building Materials along with two people for shipping steel to and from Islamic Republic. He also said that he was increasing scope of metals-related sanctions against Iran administered by US State Department. Furr, he added that those who kwingly transfer at least 15 materials which Trump administration has said used in connection with Iran’s nuclear programme, would be subjected to sanctions.

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Pompeo anunced fresh sanctions after Iran on January 8 said that it is in “ rush” to see United States’ return to 2015 nuclear deal including major powers that outgoing President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018. As President-elect Joe Biden is set to acquire office on January 20, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Islamic nation, which is already facing crippling sanctions imposed by Trump administration, is ‘t insisting on US return’. According to Khamenei, it is t about Washington rejoining pact, but about lifting is unilateral sanctions.

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