US Imposes Additional Sanctions on Iran Atomic Energy Organization... 'Civil Nuclear Projects' Continue to Receive Sanctions Waiver

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The United States has announced additional sanctions against Iran. However, the U.S. has decided to keep the door open for Russian, Chinese, and European companies to continue working on civilian nuclear development projects in order to restrain Iran's nuclear development.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran at the State Department, held a press conference on the 30th (local time) and announced that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and its head, Akbar Salehi, have been added to the sanctions list.

Foreign media analyzed that since the AEOI has been operating the overall civilian nuclear program, including purchasing nuclear-related equipment for Iran, this sanction decision could deal a blow to Iran's civilian nuclear development program.

More attention was drawn to whether sanctions would be waived for civilian nuclear projects rather than the additional sanctions on Iran. The U.S. has decided to grant a 60-day waiver on sanctions for civilian nuclear projects.

Although the U.S. government previously withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), it allowed European and other civilian companies to continue nuclear development projects with Iran. This was intended to enable closer monitoring of Iran's nuclear development activities in the civilian sector.

Accordingly, sanctions on cooperation between overseas companies, including European firms, and facilities such as the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Arak heavy water reactor, and Tehran research center will continue to be waived for the next 60 days.

However, it is known that there were disagreements within the U.S. regarding this decision. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reportedly supports strengthening surveillance on Iran through the waiver, while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is said to advocate ending the waiver.

Regarding this, a Western diplomat commented, "There was a disagreement between the U.S. Treasury and State Departments," adding, "Despite voices calling for tougher sanctions, it is surprising that the waiver was maintained." The official also mentioned, "Some believe that this sanction waiver will contribute to non-proliferation of Iran's nuclear program."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.