Key points
- Trump threatens Iran with bombing and secondary tariffs
- Seeks to ramp up pressure on Tehran
- Calls on Iran for agreement over its nuclear programme
ISLAMABAD: The US has imposed fresh sanctions on entities and individuals in China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates for allegedly being part of an Iranian weapons procurement network.
US President Donald Trump has sought to ramp up pressure on Tehran.
“The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on six entities and two individuals in action taken in coordination with the Department of Justice, accusing them of responsibility for procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components on behalf of a leading manufacturer for Iran’s drone program,” said a statement issued by the US Department of Treasury.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters news agency.
“Facilitated procurement”
“This network has also facilitated procurement for other entities in Iran’s military-industrial complex, to include Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG),” the statement read.
Tuesday’s action targeted one Iranian-based entity and two people based in Iran, one entity based in China and four UAE-based entities, according to the Treasury statement.
“Today’s action marks the second round of sanctions targeting Iranian weapons proliferators since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025, ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.”
Threats
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that “Iran’s proliferation of UAVs and missiles – both to its terrorist proxies in the region and to Russia for its use against Ukraine – continues to threaten civilians, US personnel, and our allies and partners.”
Iranian authorities have repeatedly rejected the drone supply accusations while dismissing the significance of US sanctions and their impact on Iran’s military advancement, according to Press TV.
According to MSNBC, Trump threatened Iran with bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear programme.
In his first 2017-21 term, Trump withdrew the US from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Trump also reimposed sweeping US sanctions.
