The Trump Administration this evening announced sanctions on more than 25 individuals and organizations that are closely linked to Iran's nuclear, missile, and conventional weapons programs.
The sanctions were also directed against the Iranian Defense Ministry.
At the same time, the U.S. administration called on world countries to join and take action against Iran's armament and proxy warfare.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who announced the sanctions, said, "Rather than waiting for Iran to threaten the world, the U.S. is taking sweeping actions to prevent the world’s top state sponsor of terror from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This includes sanctions on 25 entities and individuals.
"We are keeping Americans and world citizens safe!" Pompeo added.
The new sanctions are part of U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to limit Iran's regional influence.
"Iran is clearly doing everything in its power to maintain nuclear capability and the possibility of advancing its program quickly if it so chooses," a senior U.S. official told Reuters.
According to the source, Iran has enough fissile material to develop nuclear weapons by the end of the year and Tehran has also renewed its cooperation with North Korea to build long-range missiles.