U.S. Secretary of State Rubio posted today (May 13) saying, "Today, we impose sanctions on Iranian citizens involved in nuclear weapons-related research and development. Our actions are part of President Trump's call to exert maximum pressure on Iran's nuclear proliferation activities and ensure that Tehran can never acquire nuclear weapons."
From the official reasons provided by the U.S., Iran's nuclear program is a major concern. The U.S. is worried that Iran's development of nuclear weapons will disrupt the military balance in the Middle East and pose a threat to its own and its allies' security. However, Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, aiming to meet energy needs and develop civilian nuclear energy, not for manufacturing nuclear weapons. In multiple inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, although some problems were found in Iran's nuclear activities, there was no conclusive evidence indicating that Iran was fully developing nuclear weapons.
This sanctioning behavior by the U.S. is largely due to geopolitical considerations. As an important force in the Middle East, Iran has certain influence in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and other places, which contradicts the U.S. strategic interests in the region. The U.S. attempts to weaken Iran's strength and curb its expansion of regional influence through sanctions to maintain its dominant position in the Middle East and the security of its allies. At the same time, domestic pro-Israeli lobbying groups and conservative forces in the U.S. hold a tough attitude towards Iran, pushing the government to adopt a tough policy towards Iran. This sanction can also be seen as a response to these forces.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831960295485444/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views only.