The Trump administration on Monday, May 12, imposed new sanctions on three top Iranian scientists and a state-linked firm for their direct involvement in advancing Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities. The move targets key figures within Tehran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, or SPND, which plays a central role in the regime’s weaponization efforts.
The sanctioned scientists—Mohammed Reza Mehdipur, Sayyed Mohammad Reza Seddighi Saber, and Ahmad Haghighat Taleb—conduct research related to nuclear explosives and missile delivery systems, according to the State Department. The sanctions represent the first time President Donald Trump’s administration has directly targeted individuals behind Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Mehdipur leads an SPND division conducting “explosion and shock research” linked to military applications. Seddighi is involved in the “development of nuclear explosive devices,” while Taleb has used his scientific expertise to push “nuclear-related research and development efforts that have potential military applications.”
The administration also sanctioned Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, an SPND-affiliated company that attempted to procure sensitive materials for nuclear weapons development. The firm has both sourced from foreign suppliers and attempted to fabricate key equipment domestically.
“Iran continues to substantially expand its nuclear program and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems,” the State Department said. It added, “Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing uranium enriched to 60 percent.”
The sanctions came just a day after the conclusion of the fourth round of U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks in Oman. White House envoy Steve Witkoff led “direct and indirect” discussions, with both sides agreeing to continue technical negotiations. “We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting,” a senior administration official said.
Despite diplomatic progress, Iran continues to demand that all U.S. sanctions be lifted before finalizing a deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “The removal of sanctions is one of the bases for the talks, and it is something that both parties agree on.”
However, Republican senators have drawn a firm line. A resolution introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Tom Cotton(R-AR), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) demands any deal require Iran to “forgo domestic uranium enrichment” and “the development or possession of any enrichment or reprocessing infrastructure or capacity.”
