US Steps Up Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Program

KABUL: (Middle East Press) The United States imposed new sanctions Friday on networks linked to Iran, stepping up pressure over Tehran’s nuclear program, support of terrorism and evasion of US and international sanctions.

President Barack Obama’s administration emphasized that it was still pursuing a negotiated solution with the Iranian government to resolve the international community’s concerns about its nuclear program.

The new sanctions expanded the vast web of international sanctions that remain in force despite a temporary narrow lifting of sanctions in exchange for Iran’s suspension of some of its nuclear activities.

“Today we took additional steps in our effort to maintain pressure on the government of Iran,”said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council.

“The United States remains committed to working with our P5+1 partners toward a long-term, full solution that provides confidence that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful,” the NSC spokeswoman said.

The P5+1 group — Britain, China, France, Germany, the United States, plus Russia — extended an interim agreement by four months, to November 24, to allow more time to negotiate a final accord.

Tehran denies that it wants to make nuclear weapons and the sides remain split on how much uranium enrichment Iran should be allowed to carry out.