The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on five Iranian entities and one individual, accusing them of supporting Iran’s nuclear activities. The move comes just days before expected negotiations between American and Iranian delegations in Oman.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions targeting the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, its subsidiary Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, and several others. The Treasury also sanctioned Majid Mosallat, the head of Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company, alleging he was involved in procuring foreign components for Iran’s nuclear program.

The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s renewed push for negotiations with Tehran. Trump has expressed interest in striking a new deal to replace the 2015 nuclear agreement, which he withdrew from during his first term in office. However, the reimposition of sanctions reflects a continuation of his administration’s "maximum pressure" strategy, which has also included threats of military action if talks collapse.

Tehran swiftly condemned the sanctions and Trump's rhetoric, calling them contradictory to his stated intention to pursue diplomacy.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States are set to begin Saturday in Oman, according to both Iranian officials and reports from The New York Times. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that a deal could be achieved if the U.S. enters negotiations with "goodwill."

President Trump also commented on the developments during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. “We're having direct talks with Iran, and they've started. It'll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we'll see what can happen,” Trump said, adding that reaching a new agreement would be “preferable.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described Iran’s willingness to engage in indirect talks as “generous, responsible, and wise.”

Amid the shifting diplomatic landscape, speculation continues to grow over a potential Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, especially if negotiations fail to yield a breakthrough. Reports suggest such action could be carried out with U.S. backing, raising regional and global tensions. (ILKHA)