US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran

Washington: A day after the US lifted sanctions on Iran's nuclear programme, the Obama administration on Sunday announced new sanctions relating to Iran's ballistic missile programme.

Five Iranian nationals and 11 companies were added to an American blacklist, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

"This action is consistent with the US government's commitment to continue targeting those who assist in Iran's efforts to procure items for its ballistic missile programme," said the statement.

Adam Szubin, acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said "We have consistently made clear that the US will vigorously press sanctions against Iranian activities outside of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action -- including those related to Iran's support for terrorism, regional destabilisation, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile programme."