India, Nov. 21 -- Cracking the whip against Iran, the United States administration under President Donald Trump on Thursday announced sanctions against 17 entities - including an India-based petroleum products trader - that are dealing with Iran in "illicit" petroleum trading.

The US Department of State said the entities were being sanctioned as they were helping Iran to generate funds for its nuclear programme .

"Today, the Department of State is designating 17 entities, individuals, and vessels to stem the flow of revenue that the Iranian regime uses to advance its nuclear program, and to enable shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers," t...