United States imposed new sanctions on Tuesday in an effort to limit Iran’s nuclear program, targeting seven foreign companies that support Iran’s energy sector.
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said that the U.S. decision is “a clear message addressed to companies around the world: those who irresponsibly continue to support the Iranian energy sector, and help Iran avoid U.S. sanctions will face serious consequences.”
The seven entities covered by the new sanctions are the companies Petroleos de Venezuela, PCCI, Royal Oyster Group (UAE), Speedy Ship (United Arab Emirates/Iran), Tanker Pacific (Singapore), Ofer Brothers Group (Israel ) and Associated Shipbroking (Monaco).
Jim Steinberg, ranking number two in the State Department said that sanctions increase pressure on Iran to determine the regime in Tehran to meet international obligations.
The European Union decided on Monday to reprimand more than 100 companies suspected of having links with the Iranian nuclear and ballistic programs and five people, mostly corporate executives.
The Group of Six countries (Germany, China, USA, France, Britain and Russia) suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program.
United States have sanctioned, since last summer, nine other companies with ties to Iran’s energy sector and convinced several multinational companies to abandon the contracts with Iran.
U.S. announced Tuesday sanctions against 16 foreign entities with commercial activities related to the production of weapons of mass destruction or missiles with Iran, North Korea or Syria. These include two Belarusian companies, three companies and a Chinese citizen, five entities and an Iranian citizen, of a North Korean company and a Venezuelan.