U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran

The United States has imposed new counterterrorism-related sanctions on a network of Iranian individuals and companies accused of procuring sensitive technology and transferring U.S.-origin goods to Iran through front companies in the Gulf. The U.S. Treasury Department said it added eight individuals and five entities to its sanctions list, alleging that the network facilitated the acquisition of restricted equipment for Iranian organizations linked to the country’s defence sector. Those sanctioned include Ali Majd Sepehr, Mohammad Ali Mansour Dareshiri, Saeed Zahedi, Payam Akhtarian, Hoda Bagheri, Farzaneh Rezaei, Roudabeh Sarmadi and Manouchehr Zandian. U.S. authorities said the network used intermediary companies, false documentation and financial channels to conceal the final destination of the goods. According to the Treasury Department, Surena Houshmand Samaneh served as a key operational company within the network, while Sairan, an entity linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, was identified as a principal recipient of the equipment. Authorities also named Dubai-based firms Green Light Computer and Al-Kawthar Neon as front companies allegedly used to receive and forward shipments to Iran. U.S. officials said the network relied on shell companies, intermediary bank accounts and fraudulent internet domains to purchase American products before rerouting them through the United Arab Emirates and ultimately into Iran. The sanctions come as Washington continues to increase pressure on Iranian procurement networks despite ongoing diplomatic contacts between the two countries. U.S. officials have repeatedly argued that such networks help Tehran obtain dual-use technologies that could support military and strategic programmes. The latest measures also coincide with efforts by the United States and its allies to tighten enforcement of export-control regulations and disrupt supply chains used to acquire advanced electronics, industrial components and communications equipment for sanctioned Iranian entities. The United States has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iranian individuals, banks and companies over the past decade, targeting activities related to terrorism, missile development, military procurement and the nuclear programme. Tehran has consistently rejected such accusations and described the sanctions as unlawful. The new designations were announced amid broader tensions between Washington and Tehran, even as indirect negotiations continue over regional security issues, sanctions relief and the future of Iran’s nuclear activities. U.S. officials maintain that sanctions enforcement will continue regardless of the outcome of diplomatic talks. The post U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran appeared first on Khaama Press.