US slaps missile penalties on Iran after massive sanctions lift
In October, Iran test-fired new ballistic missile models - designed to carry large payloads, particularly nuclear warheads - in violation of existing international laws.
By MICHAEL WILNERIran tests new precision-guided ballistic missile [File](photo credit: IRANIAN MEDIA)
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration on Sunday announced new sanctions designations targeting Iran for its ballistic missile activity, less than 24 hours after the landmark nuclear deal with Tehran entered into force, US Treasury Department officials announced.The White House came under fire on Saturday after reports surfaced that, in negotiating a swap of prisoners with Iran, it had been successfully threatened by Iran's foreign ministry against implementing the new missile penalties. In October, Iran test-fired new ballistic missile models - designed to carry large payloads, particularly nuclear warheads - in violation of existing international laws."Iran’s ballistic missile program poses a significant threat to regional and global security, and it will continue to be subject to international sanctions," said Adam Szubin, acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, in a prepared statement."We have consistently made clear that the United States will vigorously press sanctions against Iranian activities outside of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," he continued, referring to the formal name for the nuclear accord, "including those related to Iran’s support for terrorism, regional destabilization, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile program."