US Moves Against Iran-Venezuela Weapons Network, Sanctions 10 Individuals and Firms
WASHINGTON — The U.S. confirmed new sanctions on groups tied to Iran’s weapons trade with Venezuela, a move officials say heightens pressure on both governments’ military networks.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control on Tuesday added 10 individuals and entities based in Iran and Venezuela to its sanctions list for allegedly aiding Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle and missile efforts and funneling that technology into Venezuela.
U.S. officials contend the actions are part of a larger campaign to disrupt the proliferation of conventional weapons that Washington says threatens U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East. Treasury spokespersons linked the designations to renewed efforts tied to U.N. sanctions on Iran and to broader national security directives.
The sanctions target a Venezuelan aerospace firm and its chairman accused of importing Iranian combat drones, as well as Iran-based procurement networks that sourced chemicals used in ballistic missile production and entities tied to the Rayan Fan Group, previously sanctioned for ties to Iran’s aerospace programs.
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Treasury Under Secretary John K. Hurley said, “Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world.”
Analysts say this marks a continuation of the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy, which has included sanctions, naval deployments, and warnings of further military action if Iran expands its weapons programs.
The move adds to escalating tensions with Venezuela, where U.S. naval forces have intercepted sanctioned oil vessels and the administration has publicly accused Caracas of supporting destabilizing activities.
The designations also freeze U.S. assets of those targeted and bar Americans from conducting business with them, tightening financial pressure.
Officials say further sanctions or diplomatic and military measures remain possible as Washington seeks to constrain Tehran’s military supply chains.
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