The United States said on Thursday it had dropped sanctions on three former Iranian officials and two companies that previously traded Iranian petrochemicals, Reuters reported on Friday.
The removal could show Washington’s readiness to ease sanctions when justified, the news agency claimed.
"Today, OFAC and the Department of State are also lifting sanctions on three former Government of Iran officials, and two companies formerly involved in the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of Iranian petrochemical products," the Treasury said in a statement.
It said the delisting reflected "a verified change in behavior or status" of those sanctioned and "demonstrate the US government's commitment to lifting sanctions in the event of (such) a change."
A Treasury spokesperson said the three individuals had established "that they are no longer in their positions within entities affiliated with the Government of Iran," adding there was no reason to maintain sanctions on them.
US and Iranian officials are expected to begin their sixth round of indirect talks in Vienna this weekend about how both sides might resume compliance with the nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In a separate move, the United States on Thursday announced sanctions on members of a smuggling network that generates tens millions of dollars for Iran-backed Yemen's Houthis.
