The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on companies it accuses of being involved in Iran's petrochemical and petroleum trade. The State Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that they target six entities based in Iran, China, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates, which were involved in transporting or selling Iranian products.

In addition to this, the sanctions also include blocking 20 vessels that have been identified as property of the sanctioned entities. Blinken has stated that "These designations underscore our continued efforts to enforce our sanctions against Iran."

The move comes as the US continues to put pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and alleged support of terrorism, with the country already under significant economic sanctions from the US and other countries.