Article snippet: WASHINGTON — President Trump signed an executive order on Monday targeting Iran’s supreme leader and his associates with financial sanctions, the latest action the US has taken to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting militant groups. The sanctions follow Iran’s downing of a more than $100 million US surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump pulled back from the brink of retaliatory military strikes on Iran last week, but is continuing his pressure campaign against the nation. ‘‘These measures represent a strong and proportionate response to Iran’s increasingly provocative actions,’’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. ‘‘We will continue to increase pressure on Tehran until the regime abandons its dangerous activities and its aspirations, including the pursuit of nuclear weapons, increased enrichment of uranium, development of ballistic missiles, engagement and support for terrorism, fueling of foreign conflicts and belligerent acts directed against the United States and its allies.’’ Trump pulled the US out of the nuclear pact that world powers made with Tehran in 2015. Other nations stayed in the deal, which eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbing its nuclear program. Trump called it a one-sided deal in Iran’s favor and re-imposed sanctions but says he wants to negotiate a different deal. Iran, which calls the sanctions ‘‘economic terrorism,’’ has thus far shown no interest in negotiating. The latest round of... Link to the full article to read more