US sanctions 10 over allegedly procuring weapons for Iran - Reuters

The United States Treasury Department announced sanctions against 10 individuals and entities on Tuesday, citing their alleged involvement in procuring weapons and components for Iran. The move is part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to exert economic pressure on Tehran and compel the government to negotiate an end to the conflict that began in February.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the department intends to continue identifying and isolating those who facilitate support for the Iranian regime. According to the Treasury, the primary objective of these sanctions is to degrade Iran's capacity to reconstitute its weapons programs while simultaneously increasing the financial and logistical costs for entities that assist in these procurement efforts.

The list of sanctioned parties includes individuals and companies located in China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. Among those targeted is Seyyed Asghar Alizadeh Tabatabai, a Beijing-based representative of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics agency. The Treasury alleges that Tabatabai coordinated the procurement of finished weapons systems and dual-use components within China on behalf of the Iranian government.

Also named in the announcement is the Iran-based Kavoshcom Asia R and D Group. The Treasury stated that this entity was involved in procuring electronics, specifically connectors, for the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company.

Furthermore, the sanctions extend to the Hong Kong-based firm EC Mojo Technology Co Limited. The Treasury accused this company of providing electronic components to support the procurement efforts conducted by Kavoshcom. The announcement marks a continued expansion of US economic measures aimed at limiting Iran's military supply chains.