Washington, June 12 (ANI): The United States has reportedly exempted India and six other countries from its tough sanctions for significantly cutting their oil purchases from Iran.

Other countries that won't face U.S. penalties include South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan.

They join 11 nations that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton determined to have done enough to wean themselves off of Iranian petroleum in March, Fox News reports.

According to the report, Clinton said in a statement the sanctions aim to 'prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to encourage Iran to comply with its international obligations'.

She stressed that by halting oil purchases the governments are sending a message to Iran's leaders that until they come clean on their nuclear program, they would face further isolation and pressure. (ANI)