(Daily360.com) The United States is imposing new sanctions against Iran for concerns that the country is working on building an atomic bomb.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Iran has been expanding its nuclear weapons program. The secretary announced embargoes on three petroleum entities in the country. Blinken specifically said that Iran has increased its focus on the uranium enrichment program, which has “no credible peaceful purpose.”
Blinken said Iran’s actions are concerning because they are not cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which recommended modifications to Iran’s nuclear program. Kamal Kharazzi, an advisor to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made specific statements regarding the expansion of the nuclear weapon program.
Kharazzi said that Iran does not intend to build nuclear weapons, but will do what it needs to do to protect the country from Israel. While Israel is currently embroiled in conflict against the Palestinians in Gaza, they are also waging war against Hezbollah, which is a proxy of Iran.
The three organizations that are being sanctioned will have their vessels classified as “blocked property.” Meanwhile, Iran is currently trying to replace President Ebrahim Raisi, who died unexpectedly in a May helicopter crash. The election was held, but none of the candidates received 50% of the vote. A runoff election between the top two candidates is scheduled for July 5.
In a statement, Blinken said that the U.S. is committed to preventing Iran from having any nuclear weapons. According to the IAEA, Iran has a stockpile of uranium that has been enriched to 60% purity. This is enough uranium to make at least three nuclear weapons within days or weeks.
In an April statement, Blinken said it is not in the best interest of Israel or the U.S. to escalate tensions with Iran. That was in response to a possible attack that Israel would wage against Iran that could start a regional war.
Copyright 2024, Daily360.com