US imposes sanctions on companies that helped Iran supply drones to Russia for the war in Ukraine

The United States has imposed new sanctions on more than a dozen companies, individuals, and ships that helped secretly sell drones to Iran for Russia's war in Ukraine and for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This was reported by the US Treasury Department on April 25, UNN reports.

The Iranian Ministry of Defense continues to destabilize the region and the world by supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, unprecedented attacks on Israel, and by providing UAVs and other dangerous military equipment to terrorists.

Details

The US Treasury Department said in a statement that these actions, taken in coordination with the United Kingdom and Canada, targeted more than a dozen organizations, individuals, and vessels. All those on the list are accused of playing key roles in facilitating and financing the covert sale of Iranian UAVs to the Ministry of Defense and Logistics of the Iranian Armed Forces (MODAFL).

The U.S. Treasury Department emphasized that MODAFL supports Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and Russia's war in Ukraine.

It is worth noting that the new sanctions also target two companies and a vessel involved in the transportation of Iranian goods.

The United States, in close coordination with our British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all available means to combat those who would finance Iran's destabilizing activities.

Sahara Thunder is on the sanctions list. According to the US Treasury Department, it is the main bailiff company that controls MODAFL's commercial activities in support of the IRGC and Russia's war in Ukraine.

It is noted that Sahara Thunder plays a key role in the design, development, production and sale of thousands of drones by Iran, many of which are eventually supplied to Russia, which then uses them to attack Ukraine.

According to the agency, as of 2022, Russian officials were negotiating a deal to supply and manufacture thousands of Sahara Thunder drones per year at a plant in Russia under US sanctions.

The management of Sahara Thunder and the transportation network that the Treasury Department said the company relied on to sell and deliver Iranian goods on behalf of MODAFL to jurisdictions including China, Russia and Venezuela were also targeted.

Another Iranian company, which, according to the US Treasury Department, is engaged in the purchase and development of unmanned aerial vehicles, was sanctioned. An Iranian cargo airline was also sanctioned.

Recall

Earlier this month, the United States warnedthat it would impose new sanctions on Iran after its unprecedented attack on Israel.

Since then, Washington has taken action, including against Iran's drone program, the steel industry, and cyberattacks.

This month, Iran launched, more than 300 drones and missiles against Israel. This is  Iran's first direct attack on Israel.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimsthat the attack on Israel was an act of "self-defense" in response to Israel's attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, citing the right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

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