U.S. issues Iran-related sanctions against China, UAE-based entities

Reuters-April1st2025

WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) – The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on entities and individuals in Iran, the United Arab Emirates and China whom it accused of being part of an Iranian weapons procurement network, as President Donald Trump seeks to ramp up pressure on Tehran.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on six entities and two individuals in action taken in coordination with the Department of Justice, accusing them of responsibility for procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components on behalf of a leading manufacturer for Iran’s drone program.

“Iran’s proliferation of UAVs and missiles – both to its terrorist proxies in the region and to Russia for its use against Ukraine – continues to threaten civilians, U.S. personnel, and our allies and partners,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

“Treasury will continue to disrupt Iran’s military-industrial complex and its proliferation of UAVs, missiles and conventional weapons that often end up in the hands of destabilizing actors, including terrorist proxies.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.