US names China firms in sanctions tied to Iran weapons procurement

The US government announced fresh sanctions on Tuesday against 13 individuals and entities, including some based in Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, saying they helped Iran procure weapons and components.

The sanctions announced by the Treasury and State departments are part of the Trump administration's effort to isolate Iran economically and force it to negotiate an end to the war that began with a US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28.

This as the Iranian rial dips to historic lows as its economy has been battered since the beginning of its war with US in February.

Sanctioned companies in China and Hong Kong are said by the Treasury to be involved in procurement linked to Iran.