Washington, Oct 12 (IANS): The US has announced sanctions targeting Iran's energy trade in light of the October 1 ballistic missile attack launched by the country against Israel.

According to a statement issued by the Department of State, the department "is imposing sanctions on six entities engaged in Iranian petroleum trade and identifying six vessels as blocked property".

Meanwhile, the Department of the Treasury "is issuing a determination that will lead to the imposition of sanctions against any person determined to operate in the petroleum or petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy," the statement said as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"Additionally, Treasury is sanctioning 10 entities and identifying 17 vessels as blocked property for their involvement in shipments of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products in support of US-designated entities National Iranian Oil Company or Triliance Petrochemical Co. Limited," the statement added.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement that the above measures "will help further deny Iran financial resources used to support its missile programs and provide support for terrorist groups that threaten the US, its allies, and partners".