WASHINGTON: The United States (US) has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, adding eight tankers and 10 individuals linked to the country to its sanctions blacklist.
According to the US Treasury Department, the latest measures are aimed at increasing pressure on Iran’s networks and activities by targeting individuals and vessels allegedly connected to the country’s operations.
Under the sanctions, any assets belonging to the designated individuals and entities that fall under US jurisdiction may be frozen.
US citizens and businesses are also prohibited from engaging in financial or commercial transactions with those listed.
The latest action comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic disputes between the United States and Iran, as Washington continues to expand sanctions targeting Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the public to remain steadfast in the face of external pressure, urging national unity and resilience against what he described as actions by the country’s adversaries.
In a statement, Pezeshkian said the Iranian people should never bow to oppression or injustice and should continue to defend their rights and national dignity with determination.
He added that while yielding to external pressure is unacceptable, the government must also ensure that its own citizens are not subjected to injustice.
The Iranian president said Iran has demonstrated resilience despite economic hardships and sustained external pressure, adding that national unity remains the country’s greatest source of strength.
More read, U.S.,Saudi strikes hit Iran backed groups, raising regional tensions
Earlier, United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Iran supported groups in Iraq on Wednesday, saying the groups were behind drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Iran rejected the accusations and warned that blaming Tehran for the attacks could lead to serious consequences.
The strikes happened as Oman proposed a new regional agreement to reduce tensions linked to the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had attacked three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing them of using an unsafe and illegal route.
The IRGC said it forced the ships to stop and maintained that it still controls the strategic waterway. Iran also warned against U.S. military involvement in the region, saying any interference would face a response.
