Washington approves new sanctions to limit Iran’s defense industry
Washington imposed new sanctions on Friday aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining components useful for its defense industry, on the eighth day of the war between Iran and US-backed Israel.
The US Treasury Department said in a statement that it had imposed sanctions on eight organizations and one individual for their involvement in the acquisition and transfer of sensitive equipment for the Iranian defense industry, without specifying the nature of the sanctions.
The statement quoted Treasury Secretary Scott Besant as saying, “The United States remains determined to undermine any attempt by Iran to acquire sensitive dual-use (civilian and military) technologies, components, and equipment essential to the Iranian regime’s weapons programs”.
This decision comes amid the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would make a decision on whether to strike Iran within two weeks.
The US government also approved sanctions on Friday against a number of individuals and organizations accused of funding the Tehran-backed Yemeni Houthis “Ansar Allah movement”.
The statement explained that their actions led to significant revenues from selling oil and other goods on the black market in Yemen, and from engaging in smuggling operations in Houthi-controlled ports.
Under the sanctions, any potential assets of the targeted individuals in the United States are frozen and they are barred from entering the US financial system and US territory.
