Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called the US "untrustworthy" hours before the US restored sanctions on Tehran. In May, the Trump Administration backed out of the Iran nuclear deal with world powers. Now it's moving to re-impose sanctions linked to the deal, hoping "unprecedented financial pressure" will lead to policy changes in Iran. CGTN's White House correspondent Nathan King explains.  

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal."

In May the US unilaterally pulled out and now unilaterally they are re-imposing sanctions. The first round hitting Tuesday are financial and business related.

* The purchase or acquisition of United States bank notes by the Government of Iran.

* Iran's trade in gold and other precious metals.

* Graphite, aluminum, steel, coal, and software used in industrial processes.

* Transactions related to the Iranian rial.

* Activities relating to Iran's issuance of sovereign debt.

* Iran's automotive sector.

But the noose tightens even on more November 5th when sanctions will be slapped on.

• Iran's port operators and energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors.

• Iran's petroleum-related transactions.

• Transactions by foreign financial institutions with the Central Bank of Iran.

The White House says the offer of direct talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani still stands.

But, there will be no sanctions relief ahead of any meeting. Responding Iran's president says the US are the ones that have walked away from the table.

HASSAN ROUHANI IRANIAN PRESIDENT "Trump and his government are the ones who have rejected negotiations and have turned their back on diplomacy. What he (Trump) is doing is against the Iranian nation and against the national interests of Iran. Iran is ready for diplomacy if there is honesty in the process."

The US says its policy is already working citing the fall in the Iranian currency and protest at economic conditions in Tehran- denying it is working to achieve regime change in Iran - Washington says it wants a change in regime behavior. But the economic noose is tightening. Washington says it aims to cut Iranian oil exports to zero by November.

NATHAN KING WASHINGTON DC "In reaction to US Pressure, China and other nations have vowed to continue buying Iranian oil. From Europe to Asia nations say it is the US that is putting international security in jeopardy by pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal which all signatories except Washington say was working well. Iran's has said it will respond. Things could escalate quickly. Nathan King, CGTN, Washington."