The United States has imposed new sanctions on one individual and two Iran-based entities that are actively contributing to Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, which continue to pose a significant threat to regional stability and global security. These actions further the U.S. government’s efforts to disrupt Iran’s weapons proliferation, particularly its provision of Shaheed-136 UAVs to Russia, which are being used in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
In a press statement, Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, announced the designation of Brigadier General Sayyed Hosein Majid Mousavi Eftekhari, the Deputy Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, along with two entities that facilitate Iran’s production of Shaheed-136 drones. These drones have been used by Russia in its attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Sanctions Target Key Figures in Iran’s Missile and UAV Programs
The sanctions come as part of the U.S. government’s continued effort to target and disrupt the networks that support Iran’s missile and UAV programs, which have been key tools in Iran’s efforts to destabilize the Middle East and extend its influence globally. The two entities designated under Executive Order (E.O.) 13949 are involved in the production of Shaheed-136 UAVs, which have been supplied to Russia for use against Ukraine. These drones have been used extensively in attacks on civilian targets, contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Brigadier General Sayyed Hosein Majid Mousavi Eftekhari, designated under E.O. 13382, is accused of playing a central role in Iran’s ballistic missile program. His involvement has materially contributed to the development of Iran’s missile capabilities, further escalating tensions in the region and increasing the proliferation of weapons that threaten not only the Middle East but global security.
Impact on Iran’s Ballistic Missile and UAV Capabilities
The U.S. sanctions directly target individuals and entities that have materially contributed to the transfer, sale, or production of arms and related materials, including missiles and UAVs, for use by or in benefit of Iran. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran’s dangerous proliferation of weapons, which includes both ballistic missiles and armed drones, that destabilize the region and threaten global peace and security.
The United States has repeatedly expressed concern over Iran’s increasing role in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Through sanctions such as those imposed today, the U.S. seeks to impose costs on Iran and its intermediaries supporting these activities, particularly in the context of Iran’s collaboration with Russia. Iran’s supply of drones to Russia is viewed by the U.S. as a direct effort to fuel Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine, further contributing to the devastating impact on Ukrainian civilians.
U.S. Commitment to Disrupting Iran’s Proliferation Activities
The sanctions are issued under two key Executive Orders: E.O. 13949 and E.O. 13382. E.O. 13949 targets individuals and entities involved in the supply, sale, or transfer of arms and related materials to and from Iran, while E.O. 13382 focuses specifically on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, including missiles and UAVs.
The Department of the Treasury concurrently imposed additional sanctions, targeting two entities and two individuals supporting Iran’s missile and UAV programs under E.O. 13382. These measures underscore the U.S. commitment to holding accountable those who contribute to the destabilizing actions of Iran, and to disrupting the flow of materials and technologies used to support its missile and UAV programs.
A Global Effort to Prevent the Spread of Dangerous Technologies
The United States has made it clear that it will continue to press forward with sanctions and other measures aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to proliferate advanced weaponry. The U.S. government has also worked with international partners to curb the spread of these technologies, particularly in relation to Iran’s involvement with Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
“These sanctions are another step in our effort to address Iran’s destabilizing influence,” said Miller. “We will continue to take decisive action to hold accountable those who are facilitating the proliferation of these dangerous weapons and contributing to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.”
Next Steps
The U.S. will continue to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further actions if necessary to prevent Iran from expanding its missile and UAV capabilities. The U.S. government has reiterated that it will hold both Iranian officials and foreign entities accountable for contributing to the spread of weapons that threaten regional and global security.
For more information on the U.S. Treasury’s actions and details of the sanctions, please refer to the Treasury Department’s press release.