US sanctions Iran's metal sectors as tensions heighten

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran's iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors Wednesday as tensions between the rivals escalates.

The penalties affect what Trump called the Iranian government's "largest non-petroleum-related sources of export revenue" one year after he pulled the U.S. out of a landmark nuclear accord that placed unprecedented curbs on Tehran's nuclear program.

Trump and his senior officials have embarked upon a wide-ranging campaign to ramp up pressure on the Iranian government in the time since, including reimposing sanctions on Iran's oil sector that were lifted as part of the 2015 agreement.

"Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct," the president said in a statement. "Since our exit from the Iran deal, which is broken beyond repair, the United States has put forward 12 conditions that offer the basis of a comprehensive agreement with Iran."