New US Sanctions Target Global Network Supporting Iran's Military

Overview of Recent Sanctions

On Wednesday, the United States announced a new set of sanctions aimed at seven individuals and companies across Iran, Russia, Italy, and Nigeria. These entities are accused of facilitating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in acquiring weaponry. This action follows recent Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and is intended to disrupt the financial and procurement channels that the US believes are essential for Iran's military capabilities.

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The US Treasury Department stated, "In light of Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, we have sanctioned targets involved in an international network that supports weapons procurement for the IRGC."

Statements from Officials

What Officials Are Saying

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described this move as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to sever Iran's access to resources necessary for its military operations. He emphasized that the administration's stance remains unchanged: Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions, and the Treasury will persist in targeting the illicit networks that finance Iran's military endeavors.

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Bessent reiterated on X, "The Treasury will continue to disrupt the illicit procurement networks that support Iran’s military capabilities." These sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13382.

Details of the Sanctioned Entities

Who Got Hit With Sanctions

The sanctions affect individuals and companies from four different nations. In Iran, Behrouz Namazi, who operates Nika Jet Company in Tehran, was named for allegedly procuring weapons for the IRGC. His company was also sanctioned for its involvement.

In Russia, three individuals were designated. Mariya Vladimirovna Selina, a procurement agent at Avratek OOO in Moscow, was accused of aiding the IRGC's procurement efforts. Avratek itself was sanctioned for allegedly supporting Namazi's operations. Another Russian, Vadim Anatolyevich Druzhbin, was implicated for coordinating travel and shipments to Iran.

Additionally, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited from Nigeria was accused of acting as an intermediary in weapons procurement, while Dounia Ettaib from Italy was named for alleged involvement in procurement activities linked to Namazi.

Impact of the Sanctions

What the Sanctions Actually Do

Once these individuals and entities are designated, their assets within US jurisdiction are immediately frozen. American citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging with them. Furthermore, foreign banks that continue to transact with these sanctioned parties may face secondary sanctions.

Context of the Sanctions

Part of a Larger Pattern

This action is not isolated; the Treasury Department indicated that these sanctions build upon earlier measures taken in May and June, which targeted similar procurement networks associated with the IRGC and Iran's Centre for Innovation and Technology Cooperation.