US imposes more sanctions against Iranians

The US has imposed more sanctions on Iranian institutions and individuals, claiming that they have helped Iran’s efforts to avoid similar sanctions and supported Tehran’s alleged violations of human rights. US treasury officials said in a statement that the recent actions were part of efforts to enforce existing sanctions at a time when the United States and other countries continue to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear programme.

“Although we do not support the imposition of any new nuclear-related sanctions while negotiations are ongoing,” said Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen, “we have made clear, by word and deed, that we will continue to enforce our existing sanctions.” The treasury said that the new targets for sanctions include five people and one entity for their role in helping the Iranian government to purchase or otherwise acquire US currency.

Among those affected are Hossein Zaidi and Seyed Kamal Yasini, who US officials believe have helped transfer Iranian money into local currencies and from then to US dollars. The list also includes Azizullah Asadullah Qulandary, an Afghan citizen who helped deliver US dollars to the Iranian government. Treasury officials added that Asadollah Seifi and Teymour Ameri, and the Dubai-based Belfast General Trading Company, have also helped deliver US dollars to the Iranian government. Anahita Nasirbeik, an Iranian official at Asia Bank, is alleged to have supported the Central Bank of Iran or the Iranian government’s efforts to acquire or buy US dollars.

Two Iranian companies, Douran Software Technologies and Abyssec, appear on the sanctions list apparently for supporting Iran’s violations of human rights.