Hopes is there that US sanctions will be softened with new president Joe Biden

The United States has blacklisted 17 companies and one individual in connection with Iran’s metals industry in the latest round of sanctions against Iran.

Hafez Darya Arya Shipping Company (HDASCO), a subsidiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and Majid Sajdeh, a principal executive officer of HDASCO are among those hit with the new sanctions.

In the previous sanctions against Iran, National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) and IRISL were both targeted.

The US said it would continue to aggressively implement sanctions with respect to the Iranian regime. However, the tough action against Iran is likely to change when Joe Biden takes office as the 46th president of the US on January 20.

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