The USA has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program ahead of talks in Oman. The Department of State revealed that the Treasury Department has added five Iran-based organizations supporting key entities managing and overseeing Iran’s nuclear program, as well as one individual, to the sanctions list. This move was made in support of President Trump’s ‘maximum pressure policy’ towards Iran, focusing on individuals and entities supplying critical technologies to TESA (Iran Centrifuge Technology Company) and AEOI (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran). The USA will continue to hold accountable those supporting Iran’s nuclear program, especially those involved in uranium enrichment activities.

The Treasury Department’s announcement stated that the sanctions were carried out under Executive Order 13382, which targets individuals and entities aiding in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi announced that Iran and the USA will engage in indirect high-level talks on Saturday in Oman, following President Donald Trump’s statement regarding direct negotiations with Iran. Arakchi stated that the meeting on Saturday will serve both as an opportunity and a test, with the ball now in the USA’s court.