The U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Entities Linked to Iran's Missile Program

Informed sources told American and international media on Thursday, February 2, that the U.S. will impose new sanctions against certain Iranian entities in response to Iran's recent missile test by Friday. However, these sanctions are structured in a way that they will not violate the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). According to Reuters, a source who requested anonymity stated that eight Iranian entities related to terrorism and 17 others linked to Iran's missile activities will be sanctioned. Informed sources also confirmed to CNN that the sanctions will soon be implemented in response to Iran's recent missile test. U.S. officials told Fox News that Iran is seeking a prolonged presence in Yemen by financially and militarily supporting the Shiite Houthi militants. Reuters reports that these informed sources emphasized that despite the Trump administration showing a hardline approach towards Iran by imposing these sanctions, they will be applied in a manner that does not violate the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, the JCPOA. Trump administration officials consider Iran's missile tests on Sunday as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, while Iran does not see these tests as a breach of the resolution. In reaction to this missile test, Michael Flynn, National Security Advisor to Trump, stated on Wednesday evening that the U.S. would officially warn Iran regarding this missile test. Furthermore, President Trump warned Iran on Thursday that all options regarding the country are on the table. Meanwhile, as news of potential U.S. sanctions against Iran's missile program emerges, Republican leaders in Congress have also emphasized their support for new sanctions against Iran. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated on Thursday in a conversation with reporters that Washington must end its approach of 'appeasing Iran.' Ryan expressed his support for intensifying sanctions against Iran. In this context, Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated that we are now in a position to deal with Iran as we should. However, Senator Corker emphasized that initial steps to draft a plan regarding Iran's nuclear activities have begun. In this context, Trump stated that Iran was on the verge of collapse, and the JCPOA saved it. Trump also mentioned that Iran is rapidly gaining more control over Iraq. National Security Advisor Flynn reiterated that the U.S. is officially warning Iran for its missile activities. Iran confirmed its recent missile test in the past days, and the U.S. stated that Iran's missile test is completely unacceptable.