U.S. targets Chinese, Emirati firms for Iran petrochemical sales

FILE PHOTO: Model of petrol pump is seen in front of U.S. and Iran flag colors in this illustration taken March 25, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Chinese and Emirati companies and a network of Iranian firms that help export Iran's petrochemicals, a step likely aimed at raising pressure on Tehran to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

"The United States is pursuing the path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement, referring to the 2015 agreement.