The United States on Monday imposed new sanctions on the Iranian defence ministry and others involved in Iran’s nuclear and weapons program, Reuters reported.
US said it had imposed penalties on Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Iran’s Defense Industries Organization and its Director, Mehrdad Akhlaghi-Ketabchi.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters the United States also put new sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has extended ties between Caracas and Tehran.
The latest sanctions include a new executive order signed by US President Donald Trump targeting those who buy or sell Iran conventional arms that was previously reported by Reuters.
The new sanctions come as Trump has been trying to limit Iran's regional influence and the country’s access to the World’s arm market.
The sanctions also put European allies, China and Russia on notice that while their preference may be to ignore the US attempts to maintain the UN sanctions on Iran, firms based in their nations would face the consequences for violating them.
