The sanctions block Zarif's assets in the country and prohibit American citizens from doing business with him.

In a statement, the Treasury Department said it issued the measures because "Zarif acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Supreme Leader of the Republic of Iran".

Commenting on the event through his official Twitter account, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said: "The US' reason for designating me is that I am Iran's primary spokesperson around the worldIs the truth really that painful?It has no effect on me or my family, as I have no property or interests outside of Iran.Thank you for considering me such a huge threat to your agenda."

The US imposed a series of sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 24 June.

"The United States is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime that its recent behavior is completely unacceptable," said US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

ILKHA