The sanctions are justified by the fact that those involved have facilitated the sale and shipment of Iranian oil to China.
Four of the individuals and companies are based in Hong Kong and another four in the United Arab Emirates. The ninth company is domiciled in Oman, The Guardian reports.
The United Kingdom has also imposed similar sanctions. US President Donald Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in a few days in meetings that are expected to address the conflict with Iran and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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