The Trump administration imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Friday against Iran’s defense capabilities and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The US Treasury Department stated that it sanctioned eight entities, one ship, and one person for purportedly enabling Tehran’s attempt to acquire sensitive equipment and components utilized in its military activities.
“These actions highlight the United States determination to interfere with Iran’s access to dual-use technology and key components that drive its ballistic missile, drone, and asymmetric weapon programs,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Treasury will remain working to undermine Iran’s ability to manufacture and disseminate lethal weapons that threaten regional and global security.”
Among those being sanctioned are two Hong Kong-based shipping firms Unico Shipping Co Ltd and Athena Shipping Co Ltd who have been accused of facilitating Iran’s procurement activities.
In a different statement, the Treasury Department also levied sanctions in connection with counterterrorism initiatives against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have been targeted for alleged activities in illegal oil trade and smuggling that are used to finance their operations.
The Houthis-linked sanctions target four people, 12 entities, and two ships allegedly involved in importing and selling oil and other banned commodities to finance the activities of the group. The move is part of an overarching US push to stem the funding lifelines of groups it deems as destabilizing forces in the Middle East.
The Treasury stressed that the designations are intended to starve such groups of access to key resources they need to perpetuate their actions. It reiterated that it continues to intend to take action against those facilitating Iran’s military aggression and the Houthis’ economic activities.
The sanctions follow increased regional tensions and renewed US attempts to pressure Iran and its proxies economically and diplomatically.
