Global Security Newswire

U.S. penalties have not steered Iran from its disputed nuclear program and their financial impact might also be diminishing, according to an analysis delivered to U.S. lawmakers last month.

The United States has adopted a variety of measures to pressure Iran over its atomic activities, which Washington and its allies believe to be geared toward development of a nuclear arms capability. Tehran insists it only has peaceful nuclear intentions.

"The strategic effects of sanctions might be abating as Iran adjusts to them economically and advertises the adverse humanitarian effects," the Congressional Research Service assessment states. "Sanctions do not appear to have reduced Iran's influence or strategic capabilities in the Middle East," the Jerusalem Post quoted the document as as saying.

"Traders are using informal banking exchange mechanisms and, benefiting from the fall in the value of Iran's currency, sharply increasing non-oil exports such as agricultural goods, minerals, and industrial goods," the paper adds. "Some argue that Iran might even benefit from sanctions over the long term by being compelled to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues."

The State and Treasury departments on Thursday announced new measures targeting Iran.

Treasury announced further penalties against Greek national Dimitris Cambis for purportedly helping Tehran skirt government-imposed bans on purchases of Iranian petroleum; the entrepreneur has previously rejected similar accusations, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, Iran might be ramping up covert violent actions against Israel in response to targeted killings of Iranian atomic experts, United Press International reported on Thursday.