In a statement, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken stated that the United States issued new sanctions against Iran on Thursday in response to "continued escalations in nuclear activities."

Blinken stated that Iran announced in the last month plans to expand its nuclear program, but these actions had no peaceful intent.

"We are committed to never allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear device, and we're prepared to use every element of our national power to achieve that goal."

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Thursday against three companies in the United Arab Emirates that they accused of involvement in the transportation of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals, as well 11 vessels associated with them.

The Group of Seven Rich Nations warned Iran earlier this month against furthering its nuclear enrichment programme and stated that they were ready to take new measures should Tehran transfer ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia.