Monday’s indirect talks between the United States and Iran, with the participation of major powers, aim at bringing the two countries into full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.
Here are three takeaways from the latest developments regarding Iran.
The sanctions come after US prosecutors in July charged the four with plotting to kidnap the New York-based journalist who was critical of Tehran.
Iran is facing its worst drought in 50 years, with protests breaking out in several cities and towns in the oil-rich Khuzestan province over the water crisis.
The US, Iran and the world powers have had five rounds of negotiations in Vienna in recent months to try to resolve the nuclear standoff.
The United States imposes an almost total economic embargo on Iran, including a ban on all imports including those from the country's oil, banking and shipping sectors.
Mehrdad Ansari, 39, who could face as much as 50 years in federal prison for his conspiracy to violate trade sanctions on Iran, along with other charges, is set to be sentenced on September 1.
The US was "disappointed" with the Iranian response, a White House official reportedly to Walla News.
“We’re prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Iran’s nuclear program,” Biden tells the Munich Security Conference.