WASHINGTON, May 21 — The U.S. government announced an expansion of sanctions targeting Iran’s construction industry, identifying additional materials now subject to trade restrictions due to their potential use in the country’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and military programs.

In a statement released Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State said that Iran’s construction sector is being directly overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of the Iranian military designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

"With these determinations, the United States has broader sanctions authorities to prevent Iran from acquiring strategic materials for its construction sector under IRGC control and its proliferation programs," the State Department said in its official release.

The new sanctions list adds 10 more construction-related materials to those already banned. These include austenitic nickel-chromium alloy, magnesium ingots, sodium perchlorate, tungsten copper, and specific types of aluminum sheets and tubes. These materials are deemed critical for developing infrastructure that may support Tehran’s expanding weapons capabilities, including facilities that support uranium enrichment and missile production.

The decision falls in line with a broader U.S. strategy to isolate Iran economically and diplomatically as tensions remain high over the country’s nuclear activities and missile development.

Analysts suggest that the latest move is not just about halting material supply but also about sending a message to international firms that might consider doing business with Iran’s industrial or infrastructure sectors.

“This determination creates a chilling effect for global suppliers,” said James Davenport, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It means even more materials are now off-limits, and those who knowingly provide these items could face serious penalties.”

The Trump administration had already implemented a “maximum pressure” campaign that included pulling out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and reimposing harsh sanctions. The expanded construction-related sanctions are the latest example of how the U.S. continues to target sectors of the Iranian economy tied to the IRGC, which has significant influence over major infrastructure and energy projects in the country.

While the current administration has taken a similarly hardline stance, critics argue that sanctions alone may not effectively curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially as the country continues to deepen ties with other global powers like China and Russia.

The inclusion of materials like sodium perchlorate — often used in solid rocket propellants — underscores Washington’s concern over Iran’s ballistic missile program, which remains one of the thorniest issues in U.S.-Iran relations.

Despite growing pressure, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful energy production, a claim met with skepticism by the U.S. and its allies.

This latest round of sanctions adds another layer of complexity for companies engaging in the region, further restricting Iran’s access to industrial inputs that could be used for military applications.

Originally reported by Reuters.