(TJV NEWS) The Trump administration has rolled out a new series of sanctions targeting Iranian entities that are contributing to the country’s illicit nuclear weapons program, intensifying pressure on the Iranian regime ahead of major diplomatic discussions this weekend, Washington Free Beacon reported.

These sanctions, announced Wednesday, focus on key organizations overseeing Iran’s nuclear activities, such as the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its subsidiary, the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA), which manufactures the centrifuges used to enrich uranium. The sanctions are considered the most severe to date, aiming to hinder Tehran’s ability to source materials for uranium enrichment and nuclear facility development, Washington Free Beacon reported.

The sanctions come at a critical time, as the Iranian government prepares for negotiations with the United States scheduled for Saturday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the continued pursuit of nuclear weapons by Iran remains a significant threat to both U.S. national security and global stability, Washington Free Beacon reported.

Iran has made significant progress in enriching uranium, a crucial step towards developing nuclear weapons, through advanced centrifuge technology. The new sanctions target the Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company (AIT), which plays a key role in facilitating the importation of components from foreign suppliers to support Iran’s nuclear program, Washington Free Beacon reported.

Additionally, Iranian national Majid Mosallat, who manages AIT, has also been sanctioned for overseeing the shipment of goods to TESA. Other entities, including Pegah Aluminum Arak Company, which manufactures products for TESA, are also facing sanctions. These actions aim to disrupt the network that supports Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Washington Free Beacon reported.

The sanctions package also targets companies tied to the AEOI, including those responsible for research and development in Iran’s nuclear program. In 2023, the AEOI launched the Thorium Power Company to develop thorium-fueled reactors, which are capable of producing uranium-233, a key fissile material. This company is now subject to U.S. sanctions, significantly impairing its ability to source weapons technology, Washington Free Beacon reported.

Nick Stewart, former chief of staff for the State Department’s Iran Action Group, said these sanctions send a “powerful and unmistakable message” to Tehran. He stressed that the timing of the sanctions, just before the planned talks in Oman, signals that Iran’s nuclear ambitions will not be tolerated, and those who support these ambitions will face severe consequences, Washington Free Beacon reported.

As diplomatic talks loom, Trump has remained firm on his stance that direct negotiations with Iran are crucial. While Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, have insisted on indirect talks mediated by Oman, Trump has made it clear that the U.S. will engage with Iran directly. He also warned that should these talks fail, Iran would face significant risks, Washington Free Beacon reported.