IRNA - The Spanish government says it will defend its companies against US unilateral sanctions against Iran, Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Spanish magazine 'Diplomat' as saying.

Spanish government spokesperson Isabel Celaa in response to a question raised by an MP on activities of Spanish companies in Iran said the US exit from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) entailed primary sanctions which apply to American citizens and foreign nationals residing in America and secondary sanctions which apply to non-resident people and financial transmissions.

She said the resumption of the secondary sanctions might affect the activities of foreign companies doing business with Iran including the Spanish firms, adding that due to the nature of the sanctions announced by the US administration, presently it was difficult to assess their effects on the Spanish companies.

She said the Madrid government will do its best at all levels to minimize the possible negative impacts of the US sanctions on those Spanish companies active in Iran.

There is a consensus among all EU Member States on the need to take necessary measures in a unified manner to defend European companies (against US sanctions), she said.