agencies /
The United States on Thursday ended waivers that have allowed countries including India to import oil from Iran without facing US sanctions.
Last November, the administration of President Donald Trump banned countries from importing Iranian oil after the US pulled out of the 2015 deal which lifted sanctions on Iran in return for the country limiting its nuclear capabilities.
But Washington granted sanctions waivers to seven countries and a territory for 180 days until Wednesday.
Last month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US will no longer grant any exemption beyond the deadline.
The Trump administration is urging countries to cut imports of Iranian oil to zero, saying that its sanctions will target companies buying oil from Iran.
Cuts to the supply of Iranian oil on the international market could also lead to higher crude prices.
The US government said it is working with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure that the oil market is adequately supplied.