The United States of America announced sanctions on Thursday, the eve of the Islamic republic’s presidential elections, against shipping companies that transport Iranian oil. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the United States was imposing the sanctions “in response to these continued nuclear escalations,” adding that “we remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome.” Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose.
The State Department imposed penalties on three United Arab Emirates-based shipping businesses and eleven related vessels for allegedly carrying Iranian oil.
The companies’ assets are blocked in the US and US dealings with them are criminalized due to the sanctions.
After withdrawing from a nuclear agreement, American President Donald Trump put a broad unilateral embargo on foreign countries purchasing Iranian oil.
The government of President Joe Biden first pledged to reinstate the 2015 agreement, but it eventually withdrew following protracted talks with Tehran, significant internal demonstrations, and, more recently, tensions arising from Iran’s backing of Palestinian militants, or Hamas.
Earlier this month, the UN nuclear watchdog said that Iran is increasing its nuclear capabilities and that Tehran had notified the organization that it was adding more cascades to enrichment facilities.
The government of Iran, headed by clerics, denies pursuing nuclear weapons. Following the death of hardline Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iran will hold presidential elections on Friday.
