US to fully enforce reimposed Iran nuclear sanctions Published duration 6 August 2018 Related Topics Iran nuclear deal

image copyright Reuters image caption President Donald Trump says the Iran nuclear accord was a "horrible, one-sided deal"

President Donald Trump says he will fully enforce the sanctions being reimposed on Iran as a result of the US withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal.

Measures targeting Iran's automotive sector as well as its trade in gold and other key metals will take effect from 00:01 EDT (04:01 GMT) on Tuesday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said the act was "psychological warfare".

Responding on Iranian state television, Mr Rouhani rejected the idea of last-minute talks. "We are always in favour of diplomacy and talks... but talks need honesty," he said.

Mr Trump warned that individuals or entities who breach the sanctions risk "severe consequences".

The UK, France and Germany - which were also parties to the 2015 accord along with Russia and China - have expressed "deep regret" at the US move.

They have pledged to abide by their commitments under the deal. Iran has said it will also do so if it continues to receive the economic benefits.

Why did Mr Trump abandon the nuclear deal?

The accord saw Iran limit its controversial nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Former US President Barack Obama insisted that it would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and that the world would be safer as a result.

media caption What is the Iran nuclear deal?

But Mr Trump said it was a "horrible, one-sided deal".

He declared that its so-called "sunset clauses" - under which the limits on Iran's nuclear programme will start to expire - were unacceptable; that it did not deal with Iran's ballistic missile programme; and that it failed to stop Iran's "malign behaviour" in neighbouring countries, including Syria and Yemen.

What sanctions are being reimposed?

The purchase or acquisition of US banknotes by Iran's government

Iran's trade in gold and other precious metals

Graphite, aluminium, steel, coal, and software used in industrial processes

Transactions related to the Iranian rial

Activities relating to Iran's issuance of sovereign debt

Iran's automotive sector

image copyright EPA image caption Iranians have been buying up gold coins since the US abandoned the nuclear deal

On 5 November, potentially more damaging sanctions will be reimposed on:

Iran's port operators and energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors

Iran's petroleum-related transactions

Transactions by foreign financial institutions with the Central Bank of Iran

"I am pleased that many international firms have already announced their intent to leave the Iranian market, and several countries have indicated that they will reduce or end imports of Iranian crude oil," the president said in a statement.

"We urge all nations to take such steps to make clear that the Iranian regime faces a choice: either change its threatening, destabilising behaviour and reintegrate with the global economy, or continue down a path of economic isolation."

How has the international community reacted?

There was no immediate response from Iran, but Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif earlier said the US was being "isolated".

He added that it was hard to imagine negotiating with someone who had torn up an agreement that had taken so long to reach. "Who can believe Trump is serious about talks?" he asked.

They also unveiled a "blocking statute" that will seek to protect European firms doing business with Iran against the impact of US sanctions.