The US State Department states that the affected individuals and organizations allegedly aimed to procure weapons on behalf of the IRGC, which includes man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
These latest measures come after a previous series of sanctions introduced by the US in May that targeted networks associated with Iran’s military procurement efforts. The sanctions are part of Washington’s comprehensive strategy to disrupt the procurement networks that bolster Iran’s military capabilities, thereby hindering its military actions in the region.
As reported by the US Treasury Department, nine of those sanctioned are located in China and Hong Kong, allegedly aiding procurement efforts for the IRGC and MODAFL.
Additionally, sanctions have been placed on a Hong Kong-based company accused of participation in Iran’s covert banking network and attempting to facilitate transactions related to arms procurement.
Furthermore, four individuals and entities based in Iran and Belarus were sanctioned for acquiring arms and military equipment for Iran.
This action occurs amidst ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
According to a statement from State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, this action aligns with existing UN restrictions on Iran’s arms procurement activities.
“Today’s action supports the implementation of United Nations (UN) sanctions and restrictive measures on Iran, reimposed due to Iran’s significant non-compliance with its nuclear commitments,” the statement declared.
The statement also highlighted that UN Security Council resolution 1929 requires UN Member States to prohibit the supply, sale, or transfer of conventional weapons, including MANPADS, to Iran.
The Trump administration has reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on Iran and preventing the government and the IRGC from securing resources that could facilitate their destabilizing activities.
The State Department affirmed that the US will continue to employ tools to “expose, disrupt, and counter Iran’s destabilizing activities and obstruct efforts to restore its proliferation-sensitive programs.”
The sanctions were imposed under various executive orders that empower the US government to target entities engaged in Iran’s conventional arms activities, weapons proliferation endeavors, and its financial sector.
