Iran accused the US of acting illegitimately and bullying in its response to the first sanctions imposed by the Trump administration against its oil trade. The US on Thursday blacklisted three ships, an Indian master, shipowners and managers in the first targeting of shipping under the new president.

The sanctions have affected one very-large crude carrier (VLCC) and two Aframaxes that the Treasury Department said helped move Iranian oil to China.

United States President Donald Trump's move to impose additional 10% tariffs on China as part of his promise to hit back at the Asian country for its alleged unfair trade practices and role in