Newsweek:

The United States has slapped new sanctions on a network of individuals and entities in Iran, accusing them of facilitating the transfer of ballistic missile propellant materials to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), even as high-stakes nuclear talks continue behind closed doors.

The U.S. Treasury Department targeted six companies and six individuals for facilitating the transfer of chemicals used in the production of solid-fuel rocket motors.

Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment.

This latest round of sanctions signals that President Donald Trump is not backing down on his "maximum pressure" campaign, despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. By targeting entities that aid Iran's missile development, the U.S. underscores that any future deal must address more than just nuclear concerns.

The sanctions are the eighth such action since February 4, when Trump signed a memorandum initiating a comprehensive strategy against Iran. These measures demonstrate the administration's resolve to continue economic and political pressure while seeking to limit Iran's military capabilities.

The Treasury sanctioned a network that allegedly facilitated the procurement of sodium perchlorate and dioctyl sebacate—chemicals used in the production of ammonium perchlorate, a key component of solid propellants for ballistic missiles. These materials were reportedly sourced from China and supplied to Iran's IRGC.

Ammonium perchlorate is regulated under the Missile Technology Control Regime, an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of missile technology.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday: "Iran's aggressive development of missiles and other weapons capabilities imperils the safety of the United States and our partners," emphasizing the urgent need to curb Tehran's military advancements.

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