[00:00.00] The European Union has intensified pressure on Iran by imposing asset freezes and travel restrictions on an additional 180 individuals and entities involved with Iran's nuclear program. The EU is also studying additional measures targeting Iran's energy sector. The EU sanctions are the latest in a series of steps taken by the international community, including the U.S., aimed at increasing pressure on Iran after a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency presented evidence that the Iranian regime has worked in secret on possible military uses of nuclear power. The additional U.S. sanctions target Iran's petrochemical sector and expand energy sanctions. And, for the first time, the U.S. identified the entire Iranian banking sector – including the Central Bank of Iran – as a threat to governments or financial institutions that do business with the United States. In testimony before Congress, U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen said that identifying Iran's whole banking sector as a risk to the global financial system sends a clear message: " Any financial institution that transacts with any Iranian bank, including the Central Bank of Iran, runs a grave risk of facilitating Iran's illicit activities," said Mr. Cohen.