Trump Admin Sanctions N. Korean Nuclear Weapons Enabler

The Trump administration on Monday issued new sanctions against a North Korean official who the United States accuses of aiding Pyongyang's illicit nuclear weapons and ballistic missile research programs.

The latest disclosures indicate that a senior North Korean official sought to import and export sensitive materials through Vietnam, a matter that is rankling U.S. diplomats working to push North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un back to the negotiating table.

North Korea's illegal efforts to skirt international sanctions on its weapons of mass destruction program have occurred as the country continues efforts to test nuclear weapons in defiance of international restrictions, according to information provided by the Treasury Department.

The administration is leaving the door open to further sanctions on North Korea and those tied to its nuclear weapons program.

"Treasury continues to enforce existing sanctions against those who violate United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and evade U.S. sanctions on North Korea's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs," Sigal Mandelker, Treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.