The US Treasury has sanctioned six entities in Hong Kong and China for acquiring drone parts for Iran’s military. This follows accusations of Iran supplying drones to Russia. Treasury Secretary Bessent highlighted continued efforts to halt Iran’s procurement methods and related activities supporting terrorism. The US has also recently targeted individuals connected to Iranian oil exports.
On Wednesday, the US Treasury announced new sanctions against six entities located in Hong Kong and mainland China for facilitating the acquisition of parts for Iranian-made armed drones. This is part of the US’s broader “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran. The designated entities specifically assist the Iranian firm Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis, both of which have faced previous sanctions due to their involvement in Iran’s drone and missile programs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Iran is continually seeking innovative methods to obtain critical components necessary to enhance its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities through various front companies and international suppliers. He reiterated the Treasury’s commitment to dismantling operations that allow Iran to supply its lethal weapons to terrorist groups and other threatening entities.
The United States and its allies have accused Iran of supplying drones and missiles to Russia to support its military actions during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recently, Russia launched 267 Iranian-made attack drones in a significant escalation of its drone campaign, despite Iran’s denial of any contracts regarding drone supplies for the war in Ukraine.
Iranian drones have been implicated in multiple strikes against Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian sites. The Shahed 136 drone has been regularly deployed alongside missile attacks to breach Ukrainian defenses. In a related effort, the US also imposed sanctions on over 30 individuals and vessels associated with Iranian petroleum exports.
The US Treasury’s imposition of new sanctions underscores its ongoing strategy to combat Iran’s procurement of unmanned drone technology and its military partnerships with Russia. The actions reflect a commitment to disrupt networks aiding Iran’s military capabilities while addressing broader geopolitical concerns stemming from its support of hostile actions in Ukraine.
Original Source: shafaq.com
