WANA (May 19) – The US Department of the Treasury has announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Iran, in what Tehran describes as a continuation of Washington’s pressure campaign against the country.

 

According to a statement released by the Treasury Department, the United States has sanctioned 12 individuals, 29 entities, and 19 vessels associated with Iran. The move comes as Washington continues to express interest in reaching an agreement with Tehran.

 

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that Washington would make sanctions evasion “more complicated” for Iran and said the United States would support financial institutions in efforts to prevent what he described as Iranian financing activities.

 

Bessent also claimed that the US had blocked more than half a billion dollars in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, adding that Washington expects European countries to support tougher sanctions against Tehran.

 

The new sanctions come despite repeated statements by the administration of President Donald Trump expressing willingness to reach a deal with Iran. Iranian officials, however, have repeatedly stated that negotiations cannot take place under pressure and threats.