The United States on Tuesday announced a fresh round of sanctions on shadow banking and shadow fleets as it targeted an Iranian foreign currency exchange house and front companies overseeing transactions on behalf of Iranian banks, maintaining pressure on Tehran for a peace deal.&nbsp;The US Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on the Iran-based Amin Exchange, also known as Ebrahimi and Associates Partnership Company, which it says has a widespread network of front companies spanning multiple jurisdictions, including in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong.&nbsp;The US also blocked 19 ‘shadow fleet’ vessels involved in shipping Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals to foreign customers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/standard-chartered-plans-to-cut-over-7000-jobs-in-ai-push-will-replace-lower-value-human-capital-1779200778582">Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in AI push, will replace ‘lower-value human capital’</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The United States is hardly alone in facing the scourge of terrorism, especially from Iran. Yet, too often, we seem to be alone in our resolve to thwart it. If we are serious about “no money for terror,” then there must also be “no room for excuses.” At the No Money for Terror… <a href="https://t.co/PqpU95mL3E">pic.twitter.com/PqpU95mL3E</a>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/2056751950121624010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The Treasury Department said on Tuesday that the Iranian exchange houses facilitate billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions a year, enabling the government to evade sanctions and access the international financial system. It added that the front companies oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions on behalf of Iranian banks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jahangir-khan-pulls-out-of-falta-contest-2-days-before-repoll-trinamool-says-succumbed-to-pressure-1779195775695">‘Pushpa bows’: Jahangir Khan pulls out of Falta contest 2 days before repoll; Trinamool says ‘succumbed to pressure’</a>&nbsp;“Iran’s shadow banking system facilitates the illicit transfer of funding for terrorist purposes,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a release.“As Treasury systematically dismantles Tehran’s shadow banking system and shadow fleet under Economic Fury, financial institutions must be alert to how the regime manipulates the international financial system to wreak havoc.”&nbsp;<h2>Treasury dept designates several companies, vessels</h2>&nbsp;The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also designated several companies it described as front entities supporting Amin Exchange’s operations. The firms include China-based Ningbo Jiarui Trading Co., Ltd., Hong Kong-based Starshine Petrochemical Corporation Limited, Hong Kong-based Vigorous Trading Limited, UAE-based Alieen Goods Wholesalers LLC, UAE-based Bold Trading FZE, UAE-based Materium Group FZE, Hong Kong-based Bestfortuna Company Limited, and Hong Kong-based Cheng Pan Co., Limited.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-media-and-democrats-would-spin-even-iranian-surrender-as-us-defeat-1779123203379">Trump says media and Democrats would spin even Iranian surrender as US defeat</a>&nbsp;The US also designated 19 shadow fleet vessels for transporting Iranian-origin oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals. The vessels include the Barbados-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker Great Sail, the Palau-flagged products tanker Ocean Wave, and the Panama-flagged chemical/oil tanker Swift Falcon.&nbsp;Under US sanctions rules, any assets linked to these entities within US jurisdiction will be frozen, while American individuals and companies are prohibited from conducting business with them.

The Treasury Department said the Iranian exchange houses facilitate billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions a year, enabling Tehran to evade sanctions and access international financial system, while the front companies oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions.

The United States on Tuesday announced a fresh round of sanctions on shadow banking and shadow fleets as it targeted an Iranian foreign currency exchange house and front companies overseeing transactions on behalf of Iranian banks, maintaining pressure on Tehran for a peace deal. The US Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on the Iran-based Amin Exchange, also known as Ebrahimi and Associates Partnership Company, which it says has a widespread network of front companies spanning multiple jurisdictions, including in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong. The US also blocked 19 ‘shadow fleet’ vessels involved in shipping Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals to foreign customers. Also Read: Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in AI push, will replace ‘lower-value human capital’

The Treasury Department said the Iranian exchange houses facilitate billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions a year, enabling Tehran to evade sanctions and access international financial system, while the front companies oversee hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange houses, front companies and shadow fleet vessels

The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting senior Iranian security figures, accusing them of orchestrating a harsh response to nationwide protests. Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, whom Washington identified as a key decision-maker behind the use of force against demonstrators. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures, saying they were aimed at officials who authorised or directed violence against civilians.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said the sanctions were imposed under the direction of President Donald Trump and stressed Washington’s alignment with Iranians seeking political freedoms and accountability. Bessent said the United States supports the Iranian population’s pursuit of justice and condemned what he described as systematic repression by Tehran’s leadership. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Larijani was one of the earliest high-ranking officials to publicly endorse a forceful crackdown after protests spread across Iran in December. US officials allege he played a coordinating role in shaping the state’s security response, acting on behalf of Iran’s top leadership. The sanctions also extend to senior figures within Iran’s security and paramilitary apparatus, including commanders associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and domestic law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-prepares-to-evacuate-citizens-from-iran-first-flight-tomorrow-say-sources-1768494850997">India prepares to evacuate citizens from Iran, first flight tomorrow, say sources</a>&nbsp;US authorities accused these units of using live ammunition and carrying out violent operations to suppress demonstrations. Among those designated are Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, a senior police commander in Lorestan province, and Nematollah Bagheri, the IRGC commander for the same region. According to the Treasury, forces under their authority were implicated in killings and intimidation during the unrest.&nbsp;Additional sanctions were imposed on Azizollah Maleki and Yadollah Buali, senior security officials in Fars province. US officials allege they oversaw the violent suppression of protests and applied pressure on the families of those killed during the demonstrations. Beyond security officials, OFAC also targeted individuals and organizations tied to what it described as Iran’s covert financial networks. The Treasury said these networks were used to funnel revenue from oil and petrochemical exports through sanctioned banks, including Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. US officials allege the funds were diverted to support domestic repression and overseas activities instead of easing Iran’s deepening economic hardships, including inflation and declining living standards.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-test-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-for-cross-border-payments-1768496764726/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-test-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-for-cross-border-payments-1768496764726/embed</a><h2>G7 countries concerned over Iran's crackdown on protests</h2>Foreign ministers from the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the EU’s top foreign policy official, have expressed serious concern over Iran’s response to ongoing protests. In a joint declaration released on Thursday (January 15) on the European Union’s website, the group said it was deeply troubled by reports of widespread deaths and injuries linked to the demonstrations. The ministers accused Iranian security forces of intentionally using violence against civilians and condemned what they described as an escalating and ruthless crackdown on dissent.&nbsp;The statement warned that G7 countries are ready to introduce further punitive measures if Iranian authorities continue violating international human rights standards by suppressing protests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed those concerns, calling the situation in Iran morally shocking. Speaking in Limassol, Cyprus, she described the killing of young protesters as a profound human tragedy.

Trump administration imposes new sanctions on Iran's security chief Ali Larijani, senior IRGC officials

The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting senior Iranian security figures, accusing them of orchestrating a harsh response to nationwide protests. Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, whom Washington identified as a key decision-maker behind the use of force against demonstrators. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures, saying they were aimed at officials who authorised or directed violence against civilians. He said the sanctions were imposed under the direction of President Donald Trump and stressed Washington’s alignment with Iranians seeking political freedoms and accountability. Bessent said the United States supports the Iranian population’s pursuit of justice and condemned what he described as systematic repression by Tehran’s leadership. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Larijani was one of the earliest high-ranking officials to publicly endorse a forceful crackdown after protests spread across Iran in December. US officials allege he played a coordinating role in shaping the state’s security response, acting on behalf of Iran’s top leadership. The sanctions also extend to senior figures within Iran’s security and paramilitary apparatus, including commanders associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and domestic law enforcement agencies. Also Read: India prepares to evacuate citizens from Iran, first flight tomorrow, say sources US authorities accused these units of using live ammunition and carrying out violent operations to suppress demonstrations. Among those designated are Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, a senior police commander in Lorestan province, and Nematollah Bagheri, the IRGC commander for the same region. According to the Treasury, forces under their authority were implicated in killings and intimidation during the unrest. Additional sanctions were imposed on Azizollah Maleki and Yadollah Buali, senior security officials in Fars province. US officials allege they oversaw the violent suppression of protests and applied pressure on the families of those killed during the demonstrations. Beyond security officials, OFAC also targeted individuals and organizations tied to what it described as Iran’s covert financial networks. The Treasury said these networks were used to funnel revenue from oil and petrochemical exports through sanctioned banks, including Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. US officials allege the funds were diverted to support domestic repression and overseas activities instead of easing Iran’s deepening economic hardships, including inflation and declining living standards. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-test-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-for-cross-border-payments-1768496764726/embed G7 countries concerned over Iran's crackdown on protests Foreign ministers from the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the EU’s top foreign policy official, have expressed serious concern over Iran’s response to ongoing protests. In a joint declaration released on Thursday (January 15) on the European Union’s website, the group said it was deeply troubled by reports of widespread deaths and injuries linked to the demonstrations. The ministers accused Iranian security forces of intentionally using violence against civilians and condemned what they described as an escalating and ruthless crackdown on dissent. The statement warned that G7 countries are ready to introduce further punitive measures if Iranian authorities continue violating international human rights standards by suppressing protests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed those concerns, calling the situation in Iran morally shocking. Speaking in Limassol, Cyprus, she described the killing of young protesters as a profound human tragedy.

The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting security chief Ali Larijani and senior IRGC officials over a violent crackdown on protests

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency.

"The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added.

There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets.

The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets.

Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours".

Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7.

Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. 
 
The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions. In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. "Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency. "The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added. There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets. The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets. Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours". Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7. Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran seals deal to buy Sukhoi-35 from Russia to modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jets

Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong said on Saturday (December 10) that the country was placing sanctions on Russia and Iran because of what it said were 'egregious' human rights violations.&nbsp;The minister issued a statement in which she said that Australia was imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on 13 individuals and two entities, including Iran’s Morality Police, the Basij Resistance Force, and six Iranians involved in the crackdown on protests sparked by the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September.

Seven Russians involved in what the foreign minister said was the attempted assassination of former opposition leader Alexei Navalny would also have human rights sanctions imposed on them, she said.

In addition to human rights sanctions, Wong said Australia was placing further targeted financial sanctions on three Iranians and one Iranian business for supplying drones to Russia for use against Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-raisi-says-will-continue-crackdown-on-protesters-541728">Iran: President Raisi says will continue crackdown on protesters</a>

"The supply of drones to Russia is evidence of the role Iran plays in destabilising global security. This listing highlights that those who provide material support to Russia will face consequences," Wong said in the statement jointly issued with Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts.

The announcement comes after Australia's centre-left Labour government in October imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 28 Russian-appointed separatists, ministers and senior officials after President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of four regions of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong said on Saturday (December 10) that the country was placing sanctions on Russia and Iran because of what it said were 'egregious' human rights violations.

Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong said on Saturday (December 10) that the country was placing sanctions on Russia and Iran because of what it said were 'egregious' human rights violations. The minister issued a statement in which she said that Australia was imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on 13 individuals and two entities, including Iran’s Morality Police, the Basij Resistance Force, and six Iranians involved in the crackdown on protests sparked by the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September. Seven Russians involved in what the foreign minister said was the attempted assassination of former opposition leader Alexei Navalny would also have human rights sanctions imposed on them, she said. In addition to human rights sanctions, Wong said Australia was placing further targeted financial sanctions on three Iranians and one Iranian business for supplying drones to Russia for use against Ukraine. Also Read | Iran: President Raisi says will continue crackdown on protesters "The supply of drones to Russia is evidence of the role Iran plays in destabilising global security. This listing highlights that those who provide material support to Russia will face consequences," Wong said in the statement jointly issued with Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts. The announcement comes after Australia's centre-left Labour government in October imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 28 Russian-appointed separatists, ministers and senior officials after President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of four regions of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australia places fresh sanctions on Russia and Iran for ‘egregious’ human rights violations

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue.

"We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said.

"Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-iran-israel-pm-bennett-meets-bahrains-king-as-he-strives-to-build-ring-of-alliances-453846">Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’</a>

Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States.

He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out.

"The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said.

In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and&nbsp;indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-talks-far-from-balance-in-commitments-says-irans-top-security-official-451065">Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official</a>

"We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions."

Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief

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In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement."

The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments.

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before. In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue. "We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said. "Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said. Also read | Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’ Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States. He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out. "The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said. In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal. Also read | Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official "We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions." Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website. Watch | Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement." The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments. (With inputs from agencies)

France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power.

US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights.

Abrams also urged President-elect Joe Biden to use the leverage to press for a deal that reduces the regional and nuclear threats posed by the Islamic republic. He also praised Biden's National Security Advisor and nominee for Secretary of State as "terrific people", cautioning against repeating what he saw as former President Barack Obama's mistakes in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Incumbent president Donald Trump notably left that deal unilaterally two years ago.

Biden, set to take office on January 20, has on his part said he would return the United States to the Obama-era deal if Iran resumes compliance.

"We will have next week, and the week after, and the week after - all through December and January, there will be sanctions that deal with arms, that deal with weapons of mass destruction, that deal with human rights. ... So this will continue on for another couple of months, right until the end," Abrams said, at the event.

Abrams said he expects a negotiation to take place with Iran next year and that he believes a deal will be struck under the Biden administration.

"We think the Biden administration has a great opportunity because there is so much leverage on Iran through the sanctions," Abrams said, adding he sees an opportunity to work with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as allies in the region, to strike a deal that addresses both missile and regional threats from Iran.

"If we discard the leverage we have, it would really be tragic and foolish. But if we use it there is a chance I think for constructive agreement that addresses all of these problems," he added.

He said it would be wrong to assume the new administration could reverse Iran policy like switching a light, and said negotiations would take many months.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen since Trump abandoned Obama's 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and restored harsh economic sanctions to pressure Tehran to negotiate deeper curbs on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for regional proxy forces.

Abrams on Wednesday announced Iran-related sanctions on four entities in China and Russia, accusing them of activities promoting Iran`s missile program.

Also, US ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said the United States could impose further sanctions on Lebanese figures over corruption and aiding the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after Washington in recent months blacklisted three former Lebanese government ministers, including the president`s son-in-law.

(with inputs)

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power. US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights.

The Trump administration is planning to tighten sanctions on Iran during its final months in power. US Special Envoy for Iran Elliott Abrams on Wednesday, at a virtual Beirut Institute event, said the Trump administration plans further pressure on Tehran, with sanctions related to arms, weapons of mass destruction and human rights. Abrams also urged President-elect Joe Biden to use the leverage to press for a deal that reduces the regional and nuclear threats posed by the Islamic republic. He also praised Biden's National Security Advisor and nominee for Secretary of State as "terrific people", cautioning against repeating what he saw as former President Barack Obama's mistakes in negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal. Incumbent president Donald Trump notably left that deal unilaterally two years ago. Biden, set to take office on January 20, has on his part said he would return the United States to the Obama-era deal if Iran resumes compliance. "We will have next week, and the week after, and the week after - all through December and January, there will be sanctions that deal with arms, that deal with weapons of mass destruction, that deal with human rights. ... So this will continue on for another couple of months, right until the end," Abrams said, at the event. Abrams said he expects a negotiation to take place with Iran next year and that he believes a deal will be struck under the Biden administration. "We think the Biden administration has a great opportunity because there is so much leverage on Iran through the sanctions," Abrams said, adding he sees an opportunity to work with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as allies in the region, to strike a deal that addresses both missile and regional threats from Iran. "If we discard the leverage we have, it would really be tragic and foolish. But if we use it there is a chance I think for constructive agreement that addresses all of these problems," he added. He said it would be wrong to assume the new administration could reverse Iran policy like switching a light, and said negotiations would take many months. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen since Trump abandoned Obama's 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and restored harsh economic sanctions to pressure Tehran to negotiate deeper curbs on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for regional proxy forces. Abrams on Wednesday announced Iran-related sanctions on four entities in China and Russia, accusing them of activities promoting Iran`s missile program. Also, US ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said the United States could impose further sanctions on Lebanese figures over corruption and aiding the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after Washington in recent months blacklisted three former Lebanese government ministers, including the president`s son-in-law. (with inputs)

More sanctions coming, US envoy tells Iran

The United States of America has officially asked the UNSC to reimpose sanctions, including an arms embargo on Iran. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo submitted a letter to the UNSC president arguing that Iran had violated the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

US-Iran tensions: Mike Pompeo writes to UNSC president to reimpose sanctions on Iran

European powers have triggered a dispute mechanism over the nuclear deal with Iran. This after the country took a further step back from its commitments, it is seen as a first step towards reimposing further united nations sanctions on Iran.

UK PM calls for a new ' Trump Deal '

At a time when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/irans-leader-is-losing-his-grasp-on-power-235191"> Iran</a> is reeling under the consequences of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rouhani-iran-ready-to-talk-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-236006">US sanctions</a>, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

News agency&nbsp;AP cited&nbsp;a&nbsp;20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money."

Another&nbsp;18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't."

While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves.&nbsp;The scarf show as much hair as they cover.

Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs.&nbsp;

Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador.

Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public.&nbsp;

Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure.

Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure".

Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism.

According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials.

Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families.

Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign.&nbsp;US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically.&nbsp;Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year.

But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code. News agency AP cited a 20-year-old high school graduate Paniz Masoumi as saying, "I would not remove my hijab because I am not looking for trouble. They have impounded my car for two weeks now under the excuse of being slackly veiled. I am sure that I had not removed my headscarf. They have labelled me as poorly veiled to impound my car and charge me money." Another 18-year-old high school graduate Nikki Ghassempour said, "If the society accepts the freedom of choice when it comes to hijab and change how they view those who are not veiled, I would remove my hijab too. Otherwise, I won't." While many have restrained their desires due to the fear of the ruling Shiite Muslim clergy and their security agencies, some women have found an alternative to hijab in loosely draped colorful scarves. The scarf show as much hair as they cover. Even in Tehran's grand bazaar, most female shoppers are seen carrying casual hijabs. Still, a sizeable minority of women have covered head-to-toe in black robes and tightly pulled headscarves - the chador. Last month Iran hired 2,000 morality police to punish women who refuse to wear the compulsory hijab in public. Reformists lawmakers point out that morality police has been a failure. Reformist lawmaker Parvaneh Salahshouri said, "The morality police were not successful in institutionalising the hijab for women. The question I have always asked the policymakers in this regard has been whether their policies have worked or not. What we see is that the morality police have been a failure". Last month, a video showing morality police grabbing an unveiled teenage girl and violently pushing her into the back of a police car, prompted widespread criticism. According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, women, who appear in public places and roads without wearing an Islamic hijab, will be sentenced to ten days to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of 50 thousand to five hundred rials. Some Islamic hardliners in Iran have called for harsh punishment, even lashes, arguing that allowing women to show their hair leads to moral decay and the disintegration of families. Amid all the chaos, Tehran is barely being able to cope with US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign. US sanctions have hit the Iranian economy hard. While the oil-rich nation's crude exports have been down, inflation and unemployment have risen drastically. Frustration over the sanctions is running high among Iranians, who have seen the value of Iran's currency plummet by about 60 per cent over the past year. But inside Iran, the debate is still over whether women should leave their houses without a hijab

In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">sanctions on Iran</a> `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East.

Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran.

Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members.

Hours before the US&nbsp;threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions.

Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US&nbsp;president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference.

"Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran.

"Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said.

Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions.

"If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said.

DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION&nbsp;

President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.

The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries.

Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation.

"We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. 
Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran.

Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US&nbsp;sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program.

The United States on Wednesday threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran `very soon` and warned Europe against doing business with Tehran, increasing pressure on the Islamic republic hours after saying it will stop complying with parts of an international agreement to curb its nuclear program. On the first anniversary of Washington`s withdrawal from the 2015 landmark deal between Tehran and world powers, US officials said they would keep squeezing Iran to force it to return to the negotiating table for a more comprehensive deal that would seek to curtail Iranian ambitions in the Middle East. Tensions were already high between Washington and Tehran when the Trump administration said last weekend that it was deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East, in response to what it said were `troubling indications and warnings` from Iran. Leading Democratic lawmakers such as Representative Adam Schiff warned that the Republican administration`s moves could put the United States on the path to a war and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested a briefing on Iran for members. Hours before the US threat of more sanctions, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced Tehran was reducing curbs to its nuclear program with steps that for now stopped short of violating the 2015 accord. But it threatened more action if countries did not shield it from sanctions. Tehran halting compliance with some elements of the nuclear deal was "nothing less than nuclear blackmail of Europe," Tim Morrison, special assistant to the US president and senior director for weapons of mass destruction, told a conference. "Now is the time for the community of nations to strongly condemn Iran’s nuclear misconduct and increase pressure on the regime to comply with U.S. demands," Morrison said, adding that Washington was not `done` with sanctions on Iran. "Expect more sanctions soon. Very soon," he said. Morrison said the United States would move quickly against any attempt by European countries to undermine Washington`s sanctions pressure on Iran. He advised them against using the so-called Special Purpose Vehicle to facilitate non-dollar trade to circumvent US sanctions. "If you are a bank, an investor, an insurer or other business in Europe you should know that getting involved in the … Special Purpose Vehicle is a very poor business decision," Morrison said. DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION President Donald Trump a year ago pulled out of the accord signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States to put limits on Iran`s disputed nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions. The Trump administration says the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed as it is not permanent, does not address Iran`s ballistic missile program and does not punish it for waging proxy wars in other Middle East countries. Spearheaded by national security adviser John Bolton, the Trump administration since then has taken several unprecedented steps to squeeze Iran such as demanding the world halt all Iranian oil imports and designating Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, which Iran has cast as an American provocation. "We have made our focus diplomatic isolation and economic pressure and that policy is working," Brian Hook, Special Envoy for Iran, said in a briefing. Hook said that more nations now, compared with a year ago, were in agreement with the United States on Iran. Washington`s European allies opposed Trump`s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal and have failed so far to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US sanctions. France and Germany both said they wanted to keep the accord alive, and warned Iran not to violate it.

US vows more sanctions for Iran, tells Europe to stop doing business with Tehran