Washington: The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has announced that the United States has added more than 10 Iranian companies to its sanctions list. The newly imposed sanctions target Iranian citizens and 12 companies involved in gas and shipping sectors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the decision to impose these sanctions comes at a time when Iran and the United States are engaged in diplomatic talks. The second round of discussions between the two nations took place in Rome on April 19, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described the meeting with the US delegation as having occurred in a “constructive” atmosphere.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has indicated that a third round of talks is scheduled for April 26. The discussions aim to address ongoing tensions between the two countries, although the impact of the newly imposed sanctions on these diplomatic efforts remains to be seen.