The primary shareholder of Israel's Ofer Brothers Group, which was blacklisted by the United States last week for allegedly trading with Iran, has died at his home.

Israeli news reports said Sammy Ofer was found Friday at his home, dead at age 89. Reports said he had been seriously ill.

Ofer Brothers Group, owned by Israel's wealthiest family, was sanctioned because one of its subsidiaries sold an oil tanker to Iran.

The U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions against trade with Iran due to Tehran's controversial nuclear program. Iran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Ofer Brothers Group has denied any wrongdoing.

Israel considers Iran to be a major enemy and frequently calls for the world to take aggressive measures to curb Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions.