US imposes sanctions on 50 Iranian entities

WASHINGTON - The United States on Thursday put more than 50 Iranian entities under sanctions in its latest efforts to stifle the Islamic republic's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

According to the Department of Treasury, by publicly identifying a group of Iranian front companies and banks, the additional sanctions targeted Iran's "nuclear and ballistic missile proliferation networks" and intended as well to prevent the evasion of sanctions.

"These actions are part of the United States government's dual-track approach of increasing pressure to convince Iran to engage seriously and address the international community's concerns about its nuclear program," the Treasury said in a statement.