US imposes new sanctions on entities helping Iran acquire weapons

The US Treasury Department and State Department announced on Tuesday, September 29, new sanctions against 13 individuals and entities located in Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan. According to Washington, these actors assisted Iran in acquiring weapons and related components.

Officials said the goal is to curb Tehran's ability to rebuild its weapons programs and to raise the cost for anyone supporting Iran's procurement efforts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department would continue to identify, expose and isolate those who enable the Iranian regime.

Who was sanctioned

Among those targeted is a Beijing-based representative of Iran's Ministry of Defense, accused by US officials of coordinating the purchase of complete weapons systems and dual-use components in China on Iran's behalf. The list also includes an Iranian company that procured electronics for the country's aircraft manufacturing industry, along with a related Hong Kong-based electronics supplier and its representative in China. A Pakistan-based head of a private defense company was also sanctioned.

On the Russian side, the list includes a well-known aircraft manufacturer as well as a shipping company whose vessels transport weapons for Russia's Ministry of Defense. An Iranian airline linked to the country's air force was also added.

Background

The new sanctions are part of a campaign launched in late August that expands secondary sanctions against anyone cooperating with Tehran. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump denied media reports that Washington had offered to lift sanctions and unfreeze funds in exchange for Iranian concessions on its nuclear program. Iran, for its part, has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks within a week if the US lifts its naval blockade and oil sanctions and restores a regional ceasefire.