The US on Friday furthered its pressure on Tehran as Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Iranian entities and individuals in the final days of Donald Trump's presidency.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated this:

"We have warned the industry that those who do business with [Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines] IRISL, its subsidiaries, and other Iranian shipping entities, risk sanctions. Today, we are sanctioning seven entities and two individuals for such conduct".

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement, claiming that the sanctioned organizations had a role in manufacturing lethal military equipment for Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The fresh sanctions come only five days before the hawkish Trump administration will transfer power to President-elect Joe Biden.