The United States has designated one entity and identified 13 associated vessels as blocked property for facilitating illicit trade in support of Iran’s military. Additionally, the US is updating one vessel name on the Specially Designated National (SDN) and Blocked Persons list. This action is aimed at entities that have been involved in illicit trade to support Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
According to the US State Department, these measures are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt funding streams that support Iran’s production of weapons, particularly those used in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The statement emphasizes that the US remains committed to taking action against entities that transport cargo or facilitate transactions in support of MODAFL, AFGS, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or Iran’s foreign proxy and partner groups.
In a related development from February, the US imposed sanctions on four entities operating as front companies and subsidiaries for US-designated individuals Hamed Dehghan and Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB). These entities were found to have supplied materials and sensitive technology for Iran’s ballistic missile and UAV programs, including UAVs from the Shahed series that have been used by the Russian military against Ukraine.
The statement also highlights the use of Iranian-made UAVs by Iran-aligned militia groups in attacks on US personnel, resulting in fatalities. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthis have launched attacks on commercial vessels and US naval assets using Iranian-made UAVs and missiles.
The United States reiterates its commitment to utilizing all available means to expose and hold individuals and entities accountable for contributing to the Iranian regime’s proliferation activities. These actions are aimed at ensuring the safety of US personnel in the region and reducing regional instability, particularly in the Middle East amidst Russia’s war against Ukraine.
