U.S. imposes sanctions against Iranian companies and individuals

The U.S. imposed sanctions on 10 people and firms from Iran and Venezuela over allegedly contributing to Iran’s drone trade and ballistics program, which the Trump administration says threatens the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East.

The Treasury Department said the latest measures are intended to support the reimposed UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, further squeezing Iran.

Included in Tuesday’s sanctions is a Venezuelan firm and its chairman, accused of purchasing Iranian drones; three Iranian men connected with efforts to procure chemicals used for ballistic missiles; and a group of Iran-based people and firms connected to a holding company previously sanctioned by the U.S.