Kerry, Zarif spoke last week after fresh Iran-related sanctions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. and Iranian foreign ministers last week discussed the importance of carrying out the November 24 Iran nuclear deal after Washington blacklisted 19 companies, people and vessels for dealing with Tehran, a U.S. official said on Monday.

The U.S. sanctions, imposed under existing U.S. law, drew criticism from Iranian officials and raised questions about the November 24 agreement under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program for six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief.