US imposes sanctions on Iran's nuclear program

The US has announced new sanctions on Iran's nuclear program ahead of talks in Oman. The US Department of State announced that the Department of the Treasury has added 5 Iran-based entities and 1 individual that support the activities of key organizations managing and overseeing Iran's nuclear program to its sanctions list.

The State Department stated, "This step was taken to support President Trump's 'maximum pressure policy' on Iran. The targets include individuals and entities that supply or produce critical technologies for TESA (Iran Centrifuge Technology Company) and the AEOI (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran)."

The US will continue to hold accountable those who seek to support Iran's nuclear program, particularly its uranium enrichment activities," the statement read.

The statement, which noted that the Treasury Department implemented these sanctions under Executive Order 13382 regarding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, said, "This executive order targets those who assist and support the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

IRAN AND THE US TO MEET IN OMAN ON APRIL 12

Following US President Donald Trump's statement that "We are holding direct talks with Iran and the talks will continue on Saturday," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced in a post that talks with the US would take place on Saturday, April 12. Araghchi had stated, "Iran and the US will hold indirect high-level talks in Oman on Saturday. This meeting is both an opportunity and a test. The ball is now in the US's court."