US imposes new sanctions over arms procurement for Iran, targeting Russian firms too
The US government sanctioned 13 individuals and entities from Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan on Tuesday, accusing them of helping Iran acquire weapons and components. The move is part of the Trump administration's push to economically isolate Iran and force it into ceasefire talks.
The US Treasury Department and State Department announced on Tuesday, September 29, new sanctions against 13 individuals and entities based in Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, accusing them of assisting Iran in procuring weapons and related components.
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration's broader effort to economically isolate Iran and pressure it into negotiations to end the war, which began on February 28 with a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department "will not tolerate any support for the regime" and will continue to expose and isolate those who assist Iran.
Who is on the list
Among those sanctioned is Seyed Asgar Alizadeh Tabatabaei, a representative of Iran's Defense Ministry and Armed Forces Logistics Agency based in Beijing, who US officials say coordinated the purchase of complete weapons systems and dual-use components from China on Iran's behalf. Also listed is Iranian company Kavoshcom Asia R&D Group, which purchased electronics for Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, Hong Kong-based EC Mojo Technology, which supplied electronic components, and its China representative Li Feng. Pakistan-based Waseem Pasha Tajammal, head of private defense company Cavalier Group, was also sanctioned.
From Russia, the list includes aircraft manufacturer the A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau and shipping company MG-Flot, whose vessels transport weapons for Russia's Defense Ministry. Iranian airline Saha Airlines, linked to the country's air force, was also sanctioned.
Background
On August 24, the US launched an operation called "Economic Denial," expanding secondary sanctions against those cooperating with Tehran. Earlier Tuesday, Trump denied media reports that he had offered to lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian funds in exchange for concessions on the nuclear issue. Iran, meanwhile, has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within a week if the US lifts its naval blockade, cancels oil sanctions, and restores a regional ceasefire.
