US imposes sanctions on Iran's financial sector

WASHINGTON－The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against 18 Iranian banks, redoubling its maximum pressure campaign by crushing the financial sector of Iran's economy.

"Today's action to identify the financial sector and sanction 18 major Iranian banks reflects our commitment to stop illicit access to US dollars," US Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin said.

All property and interests of the property of the designated entities in the United States have been blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them, the statement said.