US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement on Monday warned commercial and maritime industries, governments and others that they risked US. sanctions if they did business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company.
“These designations serve as a clear warning that anyone doing business with or otherwise supporting IRISL or E-Sail are exposed to potential sanctions and risk contributing to Iran’s proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs,” Pompeo said in the statement, Reuters reported.
He also asked governments around the world to investigate activity by the shipping entities in their ports and seas, encouraging them to take appropriate action to stop the activity.
The State Department accused IRISL of transporting items related to what it called "Iran’s ballistic missile and military programs”, as well as other "proliferation-sensitive items".