U.S. slaps new sanctions on Iran over weapon programs

WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Thursday slapped new sanctions on Iran's 20 individuals and entities for their involvement in Tehran's nuclear and missile programs.

In a written statement, the Department of Treasury accused these individuals and entities of "moving supplies and providing essential services to Iran's clandestine nuclear and weapons programs."

The Treasury said that the new measures are designed to increase pressure on Tehran by tightening sanctions against Iran's energy sector and exposing its key proliferation related networks.

The targeted individuals included "Seifollah Jashnsaz, Chairman of Naftiran Intertrade Company (NICO) and director of Hong Kong Intertrade Company and Petro Suisse Intertrade Company SA, as well as five individuals holding other leadership positions in Iran's energy sector who have been involved in Iranian attempts to evade international sanctions," according to the Treasury.

Americans are banned from doing business with the entities and individuals being targeted, and their assets under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

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