In a move aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday the imposition of sanctions on three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity with ties to the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
This organization, known by its Persian acronym, is identified as the direct successor to Iran’s pre-2004 nuclear weapons program, the Amad Project.
According to a statement released by the Department of State on May 12, 2025, the sanctioned individuals are involved in activities that “materially contribute to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.” The specific names of the individuals and the entity were not immediately disclosed in the press release.
READ: US Tightens Grip On Iranian Oil Exports, Sanctioning Chinese Refinery
“Iran continues to substantially expand its nuclear program and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems,” the statement read. Rubio further highlighted Iran’s unique position as “the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing uranium enriched to 60 percent.”
Rubio also pointed to Iran’s continued use of front companies and procurement agents to acquire sensitive dual-use items from foreign suppliers, masking its true intentions.
The sanctions announced yesterday are intended to directly target SPND’s capabilities in nuclear weapons research and development. “The United States’ actions are intended to delay and degrade the ability of SPND to conduct nuclear weapons research and development,” the Department of State asserted.
READ: US Tightens Maximum Pressure On Iran With New Sanctions Targeting Oil, Petrochemical Trade
This latest action underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“Today’s actions demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” Secretary Rubio affirmed.
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