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Intel: US scales up Iran sanctions amid coronavirus fallout

The Donald Trump administration stepped up its sanctions on Iran this week as Tehran appeals for relief to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
An Iranian woman wears a protective face mask, amid fear of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as she shops at Tajrish Bazar, ahead of the Iranian New Year Nowruz, March 20, in Tehran, Iran March 18, 2020. Picture taken March 18, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC22NF96FTGC

The Donald Trump administration stepped up its sanctions on Iran this week as Tehran appeals for sanctions relief to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Treasury Department sanctioned five United Arab Emirates-based companies for purchasing Iranian petroleum. And on Wednesday the United States announced sanctions on nine entities based in South Africa, Hong Kong and China for “significant transactions” in petrochemical trade with Iran as well as three Iranian individuals.

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