U.S. government is stepping up its sanctions against Iran

The new sanctions directed against eleven companies and institutions as well as against four individuals with ties to Tehran's nuclear program, told the Foreign Office and the Treasury Department in Washington. Were subject to sanctions in accordance with these terms are also a number of front companies in Hong Kong and Malaysia, among others, as well as several Iranian government agencies. They are for U.S. assessment used to circumvent the existing sanctions. The penalties are intended to pull the companies, institutions and individuals, the money supply. Thus, U.S. citizens may not deal with those affected. Any assets in the United States are frozen. The West suspects Iran to advance under cover of civilian nuclear research, the development of nuclear weapons. Tehran denies this Israel feels threatened by Iran's nuclear program and the leadership in Tehran directly and indirectly, has repeatedly threatened military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. International negotiators and representatives of Iran have searched in several rounds of talks for a peaceful solution, but is not, however, made decisive progress. The West demands that Tehran stopped enriching uranium to 20 percent and allows more extensive controls to concerns. Iran insists on the right to a civilian nuclear program, which includes the enrichment of uranium. In addition, calls Tehran that the West lift its sanctions, mainly relating to the oil trade and the banking sector. Tehran also tries to downplay the impact of sanctions in their own country while preventing critical reports. "We can not now allow the media to publish news and analysis that are not in line with national interests," said Minister of Culture Mohamed Hosseini. Officially it is called, oil sanctions could even help the country to become independent from oil revenues. The export of oil supplies more than 70 percent of Iran's income. With the recent EU sanctions, Iran has lost at least 20 percent of its revenue. If other countries follow the embargo, or such as China and India buy more cheaply, even the loss would rise to 50 percent.