On Friday, June 20, the US Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions against individuals and companies that have contributed to the Iranian defense industry and supported Iran-linked militias.
Bloomberg writes about this.
US imposes sanctions on companies cooperating with Iran
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on a Chinese citizen and eight companies based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Turkey.
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According to the agency, they were involved in purchasing and transporting sensitive equipment for Iran's defense industry.
Separately, a vessel belonging to the Hong Kong-based Unico Shipping was sanctioned. It was included in the list of sanctioned property due to the delivery of cargo for the Iranian company Rayan Roshd Afzar, which is already under US sanctions.
The firm is said to have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“The United States remains resolute in thwarting any efforts by Iran to obtain sensitive technologies, components, and equipment that underpin its ballistic missile, drone, and other unconventional weapons programs,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The restrictions come amid tense negotiations over Iran's nuclear program that have been ongoing since before the outbreak of open conflict between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East.
The US has repeatedly used the sanctions mechanism to pressure Iran over its nuclear ambitions and support for armed groups in the region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, plays a key role in Iran's foreign policy and military operations outside the country.
