U.S. targets businesses for dodging sanctions against IranFebruary 7, 2014 - 10:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Obama administration targeted a host of businesses across Europe and the Middle East on Thursday, Feb 6 for evading sanctions against Iran, a signal that Washington aims to keep pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program, Reuters reported. The announcement marks the second time the United States has designated sanctions evaders since reaching an interim deal with Tehran in November. Washington says it will continue to enforce existing sanctions until there is a more comprehensive deal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "We strongly believe that sustaining sanctions pressure will be critical," a senior U.S. Treasury official told journalists by telephone. Under that agreement between Iran and six major powers, including the United States, Tehran agreed to curb sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for some limited sanctions relief, including the transfer back to Iran of $4.2 billion in oil funds held abroad. Top administration officials insisted to lawmakers in Senate testimony this week that Washington would continue to enforce its existing sanctions on Iran. Concerned about trade delegations, such as a visit to Tehran this week by 100 business leaders from France's biggest firms, some members of Congress want the sanctions regime expanded despite the administration's objections. Iran says that its nuclear program is peaceful and denies Western and Israeli accusations that it is seeking the means and expertise to assemble a nuclear warhead. It also maintains that it is Israel's reputed atomic arsenal that threatens peace. The actions taken on Thursday prohibit companies and individuals from carrying out financial transactions under U.S. jurisdiction. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | idcoin: New tool in IDBank’s loyalty system IDBank has announced the launch of idcoin, a new tool in the customer loyalty system. U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. |