The United States has levied a new wave of sanctions against individuals and companies in Iran and Venezuela, alleging an arms deal that poses a threat to American security. The U.S. administration stated that Tehran has been supplying conventional weapons to Caracas, impacting U.S. interests across the Americas.
Official statements from U.S. government departments highlighted the involvement of a Venezuelan enterprise in the multi-million dollar transaction of Iranian-manufactured combat drones. This specific transaction is a primary driver for the newly announced sanctions.
President Donald Trump previously issued a stark warning to Iran, suggesting that the nation could face severe repercussions if it engages in prohibited military activities again. However, he also expressed an openness to resuming diplomatic efforts with Iran.
At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump acknowledged Iran’s problematic behavior and promised “very powerful” consequences if violations are confirmed. He mentioned intelligence pointing to Iran’s search for new operational sites after earlier U.S. strikes.
When asked about potential direct talks with Iran, President Trump confirmed his willingness to engage in negotiations, emphasizing his previous efforts to prevent conflict through dialogue. He suggested that Iran has come to understand the implications of its actions.
The U.S. considers the reduction of Iran’s regional power as a crucial step towards peace in the Middle East, cautioning that Iran’s military expansion could disrupt this objective.
