Iran’s rial has hit a new record low against the U.S. dollar, just days after the U.S. enforced new economic sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Some sources say the value of the rial decreased by as much as 12 percent on January 2.

The slide comes after U.S. President Barack Obama on December 31 signed into law new sanctions against Iran’s financial sector and Central Bank.

Iran has threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a passage at the entrance to the Persian Gulf through which 20 percent of the world’s oil flows, if further sanctions are applied.

Source : Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty