US imposes Iran-related sanctions on individuals, companies

Agencies | Washington

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The United States on Tuesday imposed Iran-related sanctions on six companies and four people, accusing the network of supplying sensitive goods to an Iranian military firm, in the Trump administration's latest move to increase pressure on Tehran.

In a statement, the US Treasury Department accused the companies and individuals of facilitating the procurement of sensitive goods, including US-origin electronic components, for Iran Communication Industries, an Iranian military firm blacklisted by Washington and the European Union.

The firm produces military communication systems, avionics and missile launchers, among other items, the Treasury said.

Tuesday's action, taken under an authority that imposes sanctions on weapons of mass destruction proliferators and their supporters, freezes any U.S. assets of those blacklisted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them.

The move blacklisted Iran-based Hoda Trading; Hong Kong-based Proma Industry Co., Ltd.; DES International Co., Ltd.; Brunei-based Soltech Industry Co., Ltd.; China-based Naz Technology Co., Ltd.; and Iran-based Artin San'at Tabaan Company, as well as several individuals.

Last month, the US had also announced Iran-related sanctions on eight entities based in Iran, China and Singapore for their involvement in the purchase and sale of Iranian petrochemicals.

In May, US imposed sanctions against a Chinese logistics company for providing services to Iran's Mahan Air, prompting strong objection from China.

"China always stands against U.S. unilateral sanctions and the so-called long-arm jurisdiction," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated in May as he reaffirmed his country's resolve to safeguard the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies.