The US has announced fresh sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile programme and blamed Iran supporting for terror organisations.

The US state department said 18 entities or individuals would be affected by the new measures. It said all 18 supported Iran’s ballistic missile programme or the elite Republican Guards Corp.

The statement also criticised Iran’s support for the Syrian government and groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

“The United States remains deeply concerned about Iran’s malign activities across the Middle East, which undermine regional stability, security and prosperity,” it added.

“Iran continues to support terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad that threaten Israel and stability in the Middle East. Iran has maintained its steadfast support for the [Syrian] Assad regime, despite Assad’s atrocities against his own people.”

It also accused Iran of prolonging the conflict in Yemen by providing support for Houthi rebels.

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