U.S. sanctions Iranian, Venezuelan groups tied to weapons trade
WE On Tuesday, sanctions were announced on a group of 10 individuals and organizations based in Iran and Venezuela, allegedly linked to the arms trade between the two countries.
Among those targeted is Venezuelan company Empresa Aeronautica Nacional, which is allegedly linked to Iran’s multimillion-dollar drone sales to Venezuela. The sanctions also target three individuals based in Iran who were allegedly part of an effort to supply chemicals used for ballistic missiles, according to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
“Iran’s continued supply of conventional weapons to Caracas poses a threat to U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, including the Homeland, and the United States will use all available measures to prevent this trade,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. he said. expression.
The sanctions came a day after President Donald Trump threatened to “throw Iran into hell” if it tried to increase its ballistic missile reserves or rebuild its nuclear weapons program.
Iran’s military facilities and weapons programs were damaged by attacks carried out by Israel and the US earlier this year
Ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday, Trump also said he would support Israeli attacks on Iran in the event of rearmament.
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said, “The reaction of the Islamic Republic of Iran to any oppressive attack will be harsh and regrettable.” sent to x on Tuesday.
Trump has also taken an aggressive stance against Venezuela recently; He targeted alleged drug boats, ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the country, and labeled the country’s government a “foreign terrorist organization.”
Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced that the United States had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. It was stated that the seized tanker had been subject to sanctions by the USA for years and was carrying oil from Iran and Venezuela. a post From Attorney General Pam Bondi.
During his meeting with Netanyahu on Monday, Trump also confirmed an attack on an alleged drug loading facility on Venezuelan soil. CNN reported It was stated that the attack was carried out by the CIA earlier this month.
Tuesday’s sanctions follow similar efforts October And November Targeting individuals and organizations operating in or affiliated with Iranian weapons networks.
“Treasury holds Iran and Venezuela responsible for the aggressive and reckless proliferation of lethal weapons around the world,” Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley said in a statement. he said.
“We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who provide Iran’s military-industrial complex with access to the US financial system,” he said.
