28 July 2017•Update: 29 July 2017
By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
The U.S. on Friday announced new sanctions on six Iranian companies it said are key to the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile program -- one day after Iran successfully launched a rocket-borne satellite into space.
The economic penalties are "in response to Iran’s continued provocative actions, such as yesterday’s launch of the Simorgh space launch vehicle", the Treasury Department said.
The six Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group subsidiaries the ageny called "central" to the Iranian missile program, are responsible for a range of components to Iran's ballistic missile program, including the development of structural components, liquid-propellant, missile engines, guidance systems, research and ground control systems.
"These sanctions target key entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program, and underscore the United States’ deep concerns with Iran’s continued development and testing of ballistic missiles and other provocative behavior,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement.
The new blacklistings come amid President Donald Trump administration's continued deliberations about whether it will scrap a landmark 2015 accord with Iran and international powers over its nuclear program.
The move would diplomatically isolate Washington as none of its six other negotiating partners support the move.
Thursday's satellite launch does not run afoul of that agreement, but the Trump administration has maintained Tehran is in violation of its "spirit".
The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly verified Iran is in compliance with the agreement. And last week, the U.S. certified for a second time under Trump that Iran is in compliance.
