The United States is imposing sanctions on Iran's largest airline, Mahan Air, for supplying weapons to terrorists and militia groups in the region, CNBC reports.

On the same basis, sanctions are also being imposed against the shipping company Iran Shipping Lines and its Chinese subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping. 

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the sanctions against the shipping companies will take effect within 180 days. The time gap is created to allow customers who use the companies' ships to transport humanitarian goods to renegotiate their contracts. The sanctions against Mahan Air take effect immediately.

France and Germany earlier this year blocked Mahan Air from transporting weapons and personnel to Syria.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the latest US sanctions should be overcome by either circumventing them or entering into negotiations.

Source: finwire