US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran

Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) The US Tuesday slapped sanctions on nine people and entities for their alleged role in helping the Iranian government evade sanctions and in supporting its human rights abuses.

The Department of Treasury said the administration, while opposing any new nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran for now during the ongoing negotiations over a comprehensive nuclear deal, remains committed to enforcing existing sanctions against the Islamic republic, Xinhua reported.

Five people — Hossein Zeidi, Seyed Kamal Yasini, Azizullah Asadullah Qulandary, Asadollah Seifi and Teymour Ameri — and Dubai-based Belfast General Trading were targeted for helping the Iranian government buy or acquire huge amounts of US dollars.

Anahita Nasirbeik, an Asia Bank official and an Iranian national, was also blacklisted for providing support to the Central Bank of Iran or aiding the Iranian government in buying or acquiring US bank notes, the Treasury said in a statement.

In addition, two Iranian companies — Douran Software Technologies and Abyssec — were designated for their support of government efforts to abuse human rights, the agency said.