The United States sanctioned individuals and entities in several countries related to their support of Iran's ballistic missile and drone production, in the latest attempt to pressure Tehran on Wednesday.
A total of 32 individuals and entities based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine that operate multiple procurement networks are being targeted in Wednesday's designations, the Treasury Department said in a statement.
"These networks pose a threat to US and allied personnel in the Middle East and to commercial shipping in the Red Sea," the department said in a statement.
The US, its European allies, and Israel have accused Tehran of using its nuclear program as a veil for efforts to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Quantity of uranium enriched by Iran is 'a matter of serious concern'
The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, reported that the quantity of highly enriched uranium Iran has produced and stored is "a matter of serious concern," urging Iran to allow IAEA officials to inspect nuclear sites.
"It is critical that the Agency is able to verify the inventories of previously declared nuclear material in Iran as soon as possible in order to allay its concerns ... regarding the possible diversion of declared nuclear material from peaceful use," it added.
Western powers say there is no civil explanation for Iran's enrichment to such a high level.
The IAEA estimates that before the attacks, Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% in uranium hexafluoride form, which can easily be enriched further. That is enough, if enriched further, for 10 nuclear bombs, according to an IAEA yardstick.