US Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Iran Targeting Nuclear Research and Chinese Entities Supporting Missile Program — Day 74

The United States announced new sanctions on May 12, 2026 (Day 74) targeting Iranian nuclear research activities with possible military applications, as well as 12 individuals and entities in China and Iran for supporting Iran's ballistic missile program and facilitating Iranian oil sales to China. The sanctions came as diplomatic talks remained fully deadlocked following Trump's rejection of Iran's counter-proposal. The nuclear issue remains the central sticking point: the US demands a 12–15 year moratorium on all uranium enrichment plus full IAEA Additional Protocol inspection access; Iran offered approximately 5 years and refused to dismantle its enrichment program. Iran had offered to dilute some highly enriched uranium and transfer some to a third country, with a provision requiring return if the US exits any deal. The new sanctions were interpreted by analysts as a dual-track approach — maintaining military pressure while signaling willingness to add economic costs if Iran does not move on nuclear terms.