US slaps new sanctions on Iran amid renewed rocket attacks in Iraq
The State Department on Wednesday announced it is slapping new sanctions on Iran as renewed rocket attacks have been launched at U.S. forces in Iraq by what are believed to be Tehran-backed militias.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the sanctions will target nine entities and three individuals “who have engaged in activity that could enable the Iranian regime’s violent behavior.”
“The actions of these individuals and entities provide revenue to the regime that it may use to fund terror and other destabilizing activities, such as the recent rocket attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces located at Camp Taji in Iraq,” he said.
The sanctions mainly target Iran’s petrochemical industry and are intended to “further Iran’s economic and diplomatic isolation.”
The penalties come as Iran clamors for sanction relief amid the coronavirus, arguing the levies impede its efforts to contain the outbreak in the country. Over 1,100 have been killed in Iran, while 17,361 are infected.
The sanctions coincide with renewed clashes between international forces and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.
Read More: The Hill