U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley speak in front recovered segments of an Iranian rocket during a press briefing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (Cliff Owen/AP)

Washington(People's Daily) - The US on Thursday announced it would impose sanctions on  five Iran-based companies linked to that country’s ballistic missile program.

"These sanctions target key entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program, which the Iranian regime prioritizes over the economic well-being of the Iranian people.  As the Iranian people suffer, their government and the IRGC (Revolutionary Guards) fund foreign militants, terrorist groups, and human rights abuses," said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. 

The sanctions block all property and interests in property of those designated today subject to US jurisdiction, and US citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. In addition, foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for, or persons that provide material or certain other support to, the entities designated today risk exposure to sanctions that could sever their access to the US financial system or block their property and interests in property under US jurisdiction, the Treasure Department said.

The new sanctions come after a week of anti-government protests that have spread across Iran. US President Donald Trump has tweeted his support for the protesters and criticism of the government.