Why are new US sanctions imposed on Iran amid nuclear talks?

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New US Sanctions Imposed on Iran Amid Nuclear Talks Due to Iran's Nuclear Programme Expansion

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran while nuclear negotiations are ongoing, citing Iran's significant expansion of its nuclear programme and its engagement in dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and delivery systems. These sanctions target three Iranian citizens and one Iranian entity linked to Tehran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), freezing any assets they may hold in the US and prohibiting business dealings with them. The announcement of these measures followed the conclusion of a fourth round of talks between the two nations, which, while not yielding major breakthroughs, were described by both sides as cautiously optimistic.
Iran's Uranium Enrichment Exceeds Deal Limits

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran is unique among non-nuclear states for enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity. This level significantly surpasses the 3.67 per cent maximum allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew during the previous administration. For context, the enrichment level required to construct a nuclear weapon is approximately 90 per cent.
Sanctioned Entities Linked to Nuclear Research

The newly sanctioned entity, Fuya Pars Prospective Technologists, also known as Ideal Vacuum, is affiliated with SPND. The State Department indicated that this company has sought to acquire equipment from foreign suppliers and has also fabricated equipment domestically that could be relevant to nuclear weapons research and development. The SPND itself has been previously identified as having potential links to nuclear weapons-related research and development activities.
Sanctions Announced Following Talks

The imposition of these new sanctions occurred the day after the fourth round of negotiations between the US and Iran concluded. While these talks aimed to establish a new accord to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with Tehran consistently denying any pursuit of such a capability, the discussions did not result in any significant breakthroughs. Despite this, both parties expressed a degree of cautious optimism regarding the ongoing dialogue.

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Why are new US sanctions imposed on Iran amid nuclear talks?

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