US imposes new sanctions on business with Iran

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iranians suspected of involvement in the country’s nuclear programme. It has banned US companies from trading with any individuals or companies on the black list. The US State Department explained the thinking behind the measures.

“Today’s actions provide additional information that will help financial institutions in the US, and across the world, to protect themselves from deceptive financial practices employed by Iranian entities and individuals, engaged in or supporting proliferation,” said Gonzalo Gallegos, the acting State Department spokesman.

The White House said a complex network of agents conduct weapons transactions on Iran’s behalf. It has singled out a senior defence ministry scientist, and named four companies believed to be linked to Iran’s arms industry. G8 leaders in Japan called yet again for Tehran to stop enriching uranium as Brussels is still studying Iran’s response to an EU incentives package.

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