washington: The United States yesterday penalised a number of Iranian and other foreign companies, banks and airlines for violating sanctions against Tehran largely tied to its nuclear programme.
US officials said it was sending a signal that there should be no evasion of the sanctions while international talks continue on relaxing them in return for Iran’s agreement to curb its nuclear activities.
The Treasury Department said it was targeting individuals and companies for violations including helping Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, evading prior sanctions or supporting terrorism.
Companies affected included Iran’s Asia Bank, Caspian Air, Meraj Air and Lissom Marine Services LLC, a shipping firm.
In a parallel move, the State Department imposed sanctions on four firms it said were helping Iran’s nuclear program, as well as Goldentex FZE, a UAE-based firm working with Iran’s shipping sector, and an Italian firm, Dettin SpA, which it said was working with Iran’s petrochemical industry.
The sanctions freeze any assets the people and firms may hold in the United States, and effectively cuts them off from the US financial system. Any foreign companies that deal with those sanctioned could also be targeted.
The US actions were consistent with commitments made last November that created the conditions for the nuclear negotiations, Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said in a statement.
REUTERS
