Washington has intensified its efforts to curb Iran’s weapons capabilities by imposing sanctions on 32 individuals and entities spread across seven nations, including major players like India, China, and the UAE. These targets are accused of operating complex procurement networks that are critical to Iran’s expanding ballistic missile and drone programs. The US State Department stated that these operations directly support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its military manufacturing, providing the means to produce advanced weapons systems. This action is a continuation of the US enforcing United Nations sanctions, which were reimposed due to Iran’s continued “significant non-performance” concerning its nuclear commitments. The renewed UN restrictions, stemming from multiple Security Council Resolutions, prohibit the transfer of technologies and components vital for Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions. The US is pressing all nations to uphold these obligations, demanding they prevent the flow of restricted materials into Iran and take firm action against its proliferation activities. The identified networks are reportedly global in scope, utilizing commercial fronts and intermediaries to acquire prohibited items. These sanctions are also intended to bolster existing US policies designed to prevent Iran from accessing foreign suppliers and resources linked to its asymmetric warfare capabilities, thereby limiting the IRGC’s ability to engage in destabilizing regional actions. The US Treasury Department has designated these entities under executive orders targeting weapons proliferation and terrorist financing, signaling a broad commitment to dismantle Iran’s illicit supply chains.
