US imposes sanctions on Iran over proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Washington:The United States Department of State has announced new sanctions against three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity associated with Iran's Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), citing their involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

In a statement issued on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target individuals connected to SPND, described as the direct successor to Iran’s pre-2004 nuclear weapons programme, known 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," the statement read.

The Department of State also criticised Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium, highlighting that it remains the only non-nuclear-armed nation currently enriching uranium up to 60% purity—far above the level permitted under previous international agreements.

"Iran continues to substantially expand its nuclear programme and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and delivery systems," the statement said. It further accused Tehran of employing front companies and procurement agents to acquire sensitive, dual-use items from international sources.

The US government stated that these sanctions aim to “delay and degrade the ability of SPND to conduct nuclear weapons research and development,” reaffirming Washington’s long-standing commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The move comes on the heels of the fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, held in Muscat, Oman. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani Baghaei posted on X that the talks, although difficult, were "useful" in better understanding each side's positions. "The next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman," he wrote.