Iran firms told: cut ties to "Zionist"-held firms

 Iran's industries minister told Iranian firms on Monday to suspend commercial links with international companies which might have "Zionist" shareholders, Iran's ISNA news agency reported.

Iran does not recognise Israel and Iranian firms and individuals are banned from dealings with Israel or Israelis, often referred to as the "Zionist regime" and "Zionists" respectively. Monday's order suggested the government was going beyond the usual scope of Israeli companies and focusing on other international firms with Israel-linked investors, but did not name any particular firm. (Reuters)