Washington: The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and entities over alleged links to Iran as part of its ongoing 'maximum pressure' campaign against the Islamic Republic.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Treasury claimed the measures target what it described as Iran's 'shadow banking system,' which it claimed has facilitated the transfer of tens of billions of dollars to bypass sanctions.

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also claimed that these networks have enabled Iranian military institutions to access the international financial system and have played a role in oil sales, procurement of sensitive components, and the transfer of funds to what it called Iran's proxies.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking as the White House simultaneously signals interest in negotiations with Iran, alleged that 'Iran's shadow banking system serves as a critical financial lifeline for its armed forces,' warning that any financial institution cooperating with these networks would face 'severe consequences.'

The latest round of sanctions reflects a policy approach that analysts say contradicts periodic US claims about pursuing dialogue and reaching an agreement with Iran.

The contradiction appears more pronounced as sanctions intensify alongside calls for negotiations. Analysts argue that such dual-track behavior not only fails to reduce tensions but also deepens mistrust, undermining the prospects for any meaningful negotiations.