US imposes new sanctions on Iran over missile tests

The United States in July 2017 imposed fresh sanctions against 18 individuals and entities over their support for Iran's ballistic missile program and other military-related activities.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on 18 July 2017, it stated that it was targeting 16 entities and individuals for "engaging in support of illicit Iranian actors or transnational criminal activity." The State Department also said it was designating two Iranian organizations involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program. Those sanctioned have supported Iran's military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by developing military equipment, producing and maintaining fast-attack boats, and procuring electronic components, the treasury said.

The sanctions came a day after the US certified that Iran is complying with the 2015 nuclear deal and will continue to receive nuclear-related sanctions relief.

Iran condemned the new sanctions and responded with its own sanctions against Americans.

The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers eased sanctions against Tehran in return for curbs on Tehran's nuclear program.

What is 2015 Nuclear Deal?

The Iran nuclear deal framework or 2015 Nuclear Deal was a preliminary framework agreement reached in 2015 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and a group of world powers: the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union.

Negotiations for a framework deal over the nuclear program of Iran took place between the foreign ministers of the countries at a series of meetings held from 26 March to 2 April 2015 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The framework deal was embodied in a document published by the EU's European External Action Service titled Joint Statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Switzerland, and in a document published by the U.S. Department of State titled Parameters for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran's Nuclear Program.

According to this framework, Iran would redesign, convert, and reduce its nuclear facilities and accept the Additional Protocol in order to lift all nuclear-related economical sanctions, freeing up tens of billions of dollars in oil revenue and frozen assets.