US Sanctions Network Helping Iran Procure Weapons

The US government imposed sanctions on Wednesday on individuals and entities it said were part of an international network helping Iran procure weapons. The US Department of the Treasury said the targets included Iranian and Russian nationals, as well as entities based in Iran, Russia and Nigeria.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, including recent hostilities over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Iran through a series of sanctions.

The Treasury said Wednesday’s targets “exemplify Iran's use of foreign aviation and transport firms, financial conduits, and travel coordinators to obscure the IRGC's role in illicit procurement and to move material and personnel globally”.

The measures follow US action in May against individuals and companies, including several in China and Hong Kong, accused of aiding Iran’s weapons sector. In June, Washington also imposed sanctions on 11 people and entities for helping the Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) procure weapons.

(Reuters, Max)