WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions on Iran targeting its financial sector, oil exports and a dozen officials connected to ballistic missile development and regional proxy groups, marking an escalation of the maximum pressure campaign after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the measures aim to cut off funding for what the administration calls Iran's destabilizing activities in the Middle East, including nuclear development and support for terrorist organizations. The sanctions include restrictions on transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and penalties for countries importing Iranian crude oil, with existing waivers set to expire.
The administration signaled it would engage in direct talks with Tehran, but only after Iran shifts policy substantially. "We are prepared to negotiate with no preconditions, but we need to see a change in behavior," Pompeo said.
Iran's Foreign Ministry called the sanctions an act of economic warfare and a violation of international law. President Hassan Rouhani vowed Iran would continue oil exports and pursue its national interests despite the pressure.
The European Union and other signatories to the original nuclear deal expressed concern about the move, seeking to preserve trade channels with Iran against U.S. opposition.
Congress is expected to hold hearings on the sanctions' effectiveness in coming weeks. Lawmakers from both parties are divided: some back maximum pressure while others advocate for diplomatic engagement over economic coercion.
