The United States has introduced new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities on nuclear-related charges just days before negotiations scheduled for April 12 in Oman.

The US Treasury Department made the announcement on April 9, amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, which Washington suspects Tehran is using as cover for a nuclear weapons programme. US President Donald Trump has been pressing Iran to engage in dialogue, though Iran has consistently refused direct talks, insisting on indirect negotiations.

On April 7, Trump unexpectedly declared that direct discussions between the two nations were set to commence on April 12. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister clarified that the talks in Oman would remain indirect.

The sanctions target one individual and five entities based in Iran, accusing them of supporting the country’s nuclear programme. The Treasury stressed in its statement that the measures aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to the Treasury’s statement, the sanctioned entities play a pivotal role in aiding two previously designated organisations responsible for managing Iran’s nuclear activities: the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its subsidiary, the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA), as the US news agency Reuters reported.

The individual named in the sanctions is Majid Mosallat, managing director of Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company, which is alleged to facilitate the acquisition of components from foreign suppliers.

TESA is described as integral to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, particularly through its production of centrifuges.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent underscored the gravity of the situation, stating: "The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security."

The sanctions add another layer of complexity to the upcoming talks in Oman, which are expected to test the willingness of both nations to find common ground amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.