In a significant move to counter Iran’s growing military capabilities, the United States has levied sanctions against 32 individuals and organizations operating in at least seven countries. These entities are accused of facilitating Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs through extensive global procurement networks. Nations involved include India, China, Hong Kong, the UAE, Turkiye, and Iran.
A State Department announcement highlighted that these sanctions specifically target the infrastructure enabling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to produce advanced weaponry. This includes vital components for unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range missiles, which pose a threat to regional security. The US is actively enforcing UN sanctions reimposed due to Iran’s non-compliance with nuclear obligations.
The renewed UN restrictions, rooted in previous Security Council resolutions, aim to prevent the flow of weapons technology and dual-use items that could advance Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions. The US has called on all nations to uphold these obligations and cooperate in stopping Iran’s proliferation efforts. The sanctioned networks were reportedly using legitimate businesses as fronts to circumvent international restrictions.
This coordinated action is part of a broader strategy to limit Iran’s access to resources needed for destabilizing activities. The US Treasury Department has placed these designations under executive orders related to weapons of mass destruction and combating the financing of terrorism. The US administration has vowed to utilize all available means to dismantle Iran’s illicit supply chains, underscoring that the expansion of Iran’s missile and drone programs will not be permitted to continue unchecked.