Trump keeps waiving nuclear sanctions on Iran, but imposes new penalties over missiles
Source: Politico
The announcement of new sanctions is the latest attempt by the administration to signal its displeasure with Iran while not scuttling the 2015 nuclear deal.
By NAHAL TOOSI 05/17/2017 01:40 PM EDT Updated 05/17/2017 02:09 PM EDT
President Donald Trump’s administration announced Wednesday that it will keep suspending nuclear-related sanctions on Iran as part of the contentious 2015 nuclear deal, but that it is imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic over its ballistic missile program.
The decision to impose the new sanctions, coupled with the release of a report on alleged human rights abusers in Iran, was just the latest attempt by the new Republican administration to make clear its hostility toward Iran even as its tries to avoid jettisoning the nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama.
The announcements come just two days before Iran holds presidential elections that pit a moderate incumbent against a hardliner favored by Islamists, although it’s unclear how the U.S. moves will affect people’s votes. Trump aides also are conducting a broader review of U.S. policy toward Iran.
The newly imposed sanctions, unveiled by the Treasury Department, are aimed at seven targets, including two senior Iranian defense officials, an Iranian organization, and a China-based network that the United States alleged is “supporting Iran’s military by supplying millions of dollars’ worth of missile-applicable items.” Iran’s support for the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad is also cited as a factor driving the new sanctions.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/17/iran-sanctions-trump-status-238507
= new reply since forum marked as read
