Pompeo announces expansion of sanctions on Iran

SANAA, Jan. 16 (YPA) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Saturday the expansion of US sanctions on Iran’s mineral sector linked to Tehran’s military and nuclear activities.
Pompeo said on Twitter: “Today I have significantly expanded the scope of mineral-related sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear, military and ballistic missile programs, and as long as these threats remain, sanctions will remain so,” he said.
On December 16, the United States imposed new sanctions against Iran, targeting an individual, in addition to five companies in China and the UAE, due to their links to Iran’s petrochemical sales.
The sanctions targeted the Donghai International Ship Management Company and Petrochem Southeast, based in China, and Alpha Tech Trading and Petroliance Trading, both based in the UAE. ”The US State Department also classified the Vietnamese gas and chemical transportation company and its managing director.
On the same day, Iran affirmed its commitment to implementing the Shura Council’s decision to increase uranium enrichment.