The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia for allegedly helping Iran procure weapons and weapons components for its military.
The sanctions, announced Tuesday under the Treasury Department’s “Operation Economic Outcast,” target networks linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
The ministry oversees weapons research, production and acquisition for Iran’s armed forces, including organizations involved in the development of ballistic missiles and drones.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States would continue targeting people and organizations that provide material, technological or financial support to Iran’s military and other activities.
One of those sanctioned is Seyyed Asghar Alizadeh Tabatabai, a MODAFL representative in Beijing whom Treasury accused of coordinating the procurement of finished weapons systems and dual-use components in China for Iran.
Treasury also sanctioned Iran-based Kavoshcom Asia R and D Group, which it said procured electronic components for Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, or HESA, a MODAFL subordinate involved in military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Kavoshcom also supplied electronics to Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, which Treasury said is involved in Iran’s solid-fueled ballistic missile program.
The action also targets Kavoshcom director Ali Fotowat Almady, Hong Kong-based EC Mojo Technology Co Limited, EC Mojo representative Li Fen and Kavoshcom representative Parisa Lali. Treasury said the companies and individuals supported or attempted to support Kavoshcom’s procurement activities.
The sanctions were imposed under a U.S. order targeting the spread of weapons of mass destruction. MODAFL was previously sanctioned by the U.S. over Iran’s ballistic missile program.
As a result of Tuesday’s action, property and interests in property belonging to the designated individuals and entities that are in the United States or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked. U.S. persons are also generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving the blocked parties unless authorized by OFAC.
Treasury said the latest action is part of Operation Economic Outcast, launched by Bessent in August to target Iran’s financial networks, including those involved in sanctions evasion, oil smuggling and other sources of revenue for the Iranian government.
The department said the sanctions are intended to disrupt Iran’s ability to rebuild its weapons programs and increase the costs for those involved in its military procurement networks.