The Bush administration has intensified its campaign against Iran with a new round of sanctions against its military and leading companies. On Thursday, the U.S. designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction and its elite Quds Force a supporter of terrorism. Sanctions were also imposed on more than 20 firms and individuals. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced the move in Washington.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson: “Iran exports its global financial ties to pursue nuclear capabilities to build ballistic missiles and fund terrorism. Today we are taking additional steps to combat Iran’s dangerous conduct and to engage financial institutions worldwide to make the most informed decisions about those with whom they choose to do business. The Iranian regime’s ability to pursue nuclear and ballistic missile programs in defiance of Security Council resolutions depends on its access to international commercial and financial systems.”