The U.S. slapped new sanctions on 16 non-U.S. companies and individuals for aiding weapons and missile programs in North Korea, Iran and Syria.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg announced the sanctions on Tuesday, saying the 16 entities transferred or acquired equipment and technology that can be used for weapons of mass destruction or missile systems in these three countries.

The sanctions, which will be in effect for two years, ban the U.S. government from doing business or assisting the 16 individuals and firms, which are from Belarus, China, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Venezuela.

Meanwhile, in a separate action, Washington also imposed sanctions on seven foreign companies for doing business with Iran's energy industry in ways that might bolster the country's nuclear activities.