WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. imposed sanctions on 10 people and firms from Iran and Venezuela over allegedly contributing to Iran’s drone trade and ballistics program which the Trump administration says threatens the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East.
The Treasury Department stated that these new measures are aligned with the reimposed United Nations sanctions on Iran concerning its nuclear program, aiming to further entrench pressure on the Islamic Republic. Iran has repeatedly asserted that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
Among the sanctioned are a Venezuelan firm and its chairman, accused of procuring Iranian drones; three Iranian individuals linked to the procurement of chemicals for ballistic missiles; and various entities tied to Rayan Fan Group, which had previously been sanctioned by the U.S.
This campaign follows actions in February, where President Donald Trump reinstated a severe “maximum pressure” approach towards Iran aimed at deterring the development of nuclear weapons. Included were U.S.-led strikes against notable Iranian enrichment sites amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, sparked by Israeli military actions.
Recently, Trump communicated warnings to Iran about potential military strikes should they attempt to resume their nuclear program, in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.
“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world,” stated John K. Hurley, Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the U.S. financial system.”
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott reiterated the U.S. stance, stating that Iran continues to breach UN restrictions, with its ongoing provision of conventional weapons to Caracas representing a threat to U.S. interests in the region.
