Trump sanctions Iran after saying it complies with deal

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Tuesday announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for terrorists, citing the failure of the Iran nuclear deal to contribute to the stability of the Middle East.

The move came a day after the administration certified to Congress that Iran is complying with the nuclear deal but would face consequences for breaching its “spirit.”

President Donald Trump, who vowed as a presidential candidate to dismantle the agreement, has given himself more time to determine whether to let it stand.

Congress requires regular notification from the administration that Iran is complying with the agreement it reached two years ago with the United States and five other world powers to limit its nuclear program to peaceful purposes.

Ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations but are not covered by the nuclear accord.

The sanctions designate 18 entities and individuals supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program, Iran’s military and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and an Iranian transnational criminal organization, the State Department said.

“Iran’s other malign activities are serving to undercut whatever ‘positive contributions’ to regional and international peace and security were intended to emerge from the (agreement),” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

The nuclear deal, which bans weapons development in return for the lifting of international sanctions, was signed by President Barack Obama and leaders of Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany. The other countries want to keep the deal in force.

The parties believed the agreement would “positively contribute to regional and international peace and security,” according to their statements at the time.

Instead, Iran has expanded activities that undermine regional stability, security and prosperity, according to Nauert. She said Iran continues to:

Support terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad that threaten Israel and stability in the Middle East.

Support the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad despite atrocities against his own people.

Provide the Houthi rebels in Yemen with advanced weaponry.