Economic sanctions that the United States had imposed on Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and E-Sail Shipping Company, an IRISL subsidiary based in Shanghai, came into effect on June 8. The U.S. State Department warned the private and public sectors that they might violate the sanctions by doing business with IRISL and its affiliates. The United States also called on governments to investigate IRISL activity, accusing IRISL of helping Iran acquire materials for ballistic missiles and other military projects and violating UN sanctions.