The United States has imposed sanctions on six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the UAE, and China for their involvement in procuring key components on behalf of entities connected to Iran's UAV and ballistic missile programs. The action is part of President Trump's maximum pressure campaign on the Iranian regime.
The sanctions are aimed at disrupting efforts by U.S.-sanctioned Iran-based Qods Aviation Industries to procure equipment for Iran's military-industrial complex and UAV program. The U.S. government will use all available means to expose and disrupt Iran's growing UAV and missile development programs and weapons proliferation, which destabilize the Middle East and beyond.
Iran uses this technology and the proceeds from arms sales to bolster its military industrial base to build missiles and UAVs, which are used against fellow countries, as well as exported to Russia, terrorist proxy groups around the Middle East, and to other actors of concern. The U.S. Department of Treasury's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters.
The sanctions target the complex schemes Iran uses in third countries to conceal its acquisition and transfers of sensitive technology. The move is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to counter Iran's growing capabilities and prevent the proliferation of advanced military technologies.