US Issues Fresh Sanctions Against Iran Over Nuclear Escalations

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Reuters)
TT

US Issues Fresh Sanctions Against Iran Over Nuclear Escalations

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Reuters)

The United States on Thursday issued fresh sanctions targeting Iran in response to “continued nuclear escalations,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

“Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose,” Blinken said.

He added: “We remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome.”

Thursday's action imposes sanctions on three companies the US accused of being involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products, as well as 11 associated vessels, according to Reuters.

Earlier this month, the Group of Seven rich nations warned Iran against advancing its nuclear enrichment program and said they would be ready to enforce new measures if Tehran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.



About 60 People Feared Dead in Stampede at India Religious Event

A picture taken with a slow shutter speed effect shows a man sheltering under an umbrella as he walks in the street, during a rainy day in Kolkata, Eastern India, 02 July 2024. Heavy rain disrupted daily life in the city.  EPA/PIYAL ADHIKARY
A picture taken with a slow shutter speed effect shows a man sheltering under an umbrella as he walks in the street, during a rainy day in Kolkata, Eastern India, 02 July 2024. Heavy rain disrupted daily life in the city. EPA/PIYAL ADHIKARY
TT

About 60 People Feared Dead in Stampede at India Religious Event

A picture taken with a slow shutter speed effect shows a man sheltering under an umbrella as he walks in the street, during a rainy day in Kolkata, Eastern India, 02 July 2024. Heavy rain disrupted daily life in the city.  EPA/PIYAL ADHIKARY
A picture taken with a slow shutter speed effect shows a man sheltering under an umbrella as he walks in the street, during a rainy day in Kolkata, Eastern India, 02 July 2024. Heavy rain disrupted daily life in the city. EPA/PIYAL ADHIKARY

About 60 people were feared dead in a stampede at a religious event in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, authorities said.
The stampede happened in a village in Hathras district, about 200 km southeast of the national capital New Delhi.
"I can't give the exact toll at the moment, but it is approximately 60 ... There is a possibility that the toll may go up," Manish Chikara, a district police spokesperson, told Reuters by phone.
Unverified videos on social media showed bodies piled up on the ground outside a local hospital. Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.
State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an investigation into the incident.
"Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on war footing and to provide proper treatment to the injured," he wrote on X.