In a retaliatory move against the United States, Iran on Sunday issued sanctions against 15 American companies, accusing them of supporting militancy and Israel’s occupation of Palestine. The order bans these firms from signing any agreement with Iranian firms and bars former and current directors from getting visas. The companies’ assets in Iran could be seized, as well, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said these sanctioned companies have directly or indirectly been supporting the Zionist regime in Palestine. “They have supported the regime’s terrorist activities and Israel’s development of Zionist settlements on Palestinian soil,” it read. However, the sanctions appear to be rather symbolic as none of these firms are currently engaged in business in Iran, reported AP.
Among the 15 firms sanctioned are a real estate company and an arms manufacturer. In February, the US administration under President Donald Trump had enforced restrictions on 25 individuals and companies after Iran conducted a ballistic missile test. The Foreign Ministry had said the new sanctions by the US were based on “fabricated and illegitimate” grounds, according to state-run news agency Irna. “These amount to an action against international regulations as well as the word and spirit of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.”
An Iranian lawmaker told AP that the country may also consider introducing a Bill that would designate the US military and the country’s Central Intelligence Agency as terrorist organisations if the US Congress passed a similar Bill labelling Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist outfit.
Relations between Iran and US have soured since Trump, who has criticised Iran’s leadership and the nuclear deal, won the presidential elections in November 2016. On November 9, 2016, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said there was “no possibility” of the nuclear deal being revoked by Trump’s administration. “The United States no longer has the capacity to create Iranophobia and to create a consensus against Iran,” Rouhani had said.
Tehran is also considering barring Americans from entering the country in retaliation to Trump’s immigration ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!