The US administration on 20 June announced the imposition of new Iran-related sanctions. They concern eight entities, one vessel and one individual because of their role in supplying sensitive equipment to Tehran’s defence industry, the US Treasury Department said.
“The United States remains determined to thwart any efforts by Iran to acquire sensitive dual-use technology, components, and equipment in support of the regime’s ballistic missile, unmanned aerial vehicle, and asymmetric warfare programmes. We have made it clear: those who enable these schemes will be held accountable,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The White House said the day before that US President Donald Trump would decide within two weeks whether the United States would strike Iran.
“Based on the fact that there is a significant possibility of negotiations with Iran, which may or may not take place in the near future, I will make a decision within the next two weeks,” the spokeswoman relayed the US president’s words.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has approved a plan for a US strike on Iran but has not given a final order. The US president has told senior aides that he approves of the attack plans but is holding off for now to see if Tehran will give up its nuclear programme.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised address on 18 June that Americans should bear in mind that “any military intervention against Iran would undoubtedly cause them irreparable harm”.