US Introduces New Non-Proliferation Sanctions Against Individuals and Entities in Iran and Russia
The United States has imposed new non-proliferation sanctions on seven individuals and entities across Iran, Russia, Italy, and Nigeria. This action, announced by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), targets those allegedly supporting weapons procurement for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The sanctions follow Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and aim to disrupt networks that sustain Iran’s weapons programs.
Details of the Sanctions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to deny Iran access to resources that support its military activities. He emphasized that the U.S. will continue to target illicit procurement networks funding Iran’s weapons programs. The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13382, which focuses on weapons of mass destruction proliferators and their supporters.
Individuals and Entities Sanctioned
The individuals and entities sanctioned include:
- Behrouz Namazi (Iran): General director of Tehran-based Nika Jet Company, accused of seeking to procure weapons for the IRGC.
- Nika Jet Company (Iran): Designated for allegedly acting on behalf of Namazi.
- Mariya Vladimirovna Selina (Russia): Procurement agent and head of the finance department at Moscow-based Avratek OOO, accused of supporting procurement efforts for the IRGC.
- Avratek OOO (Russia): Sanctioned for allegedly providing support to Namazi.
- Vadim Anatolyevich Druzhbin (Russia): Avratek employee accused of coordinating travel and Iranian shipments.
- Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited (Nigeria): Accused of acting as an intermediary in weapons procurement efforts.
- Dounia Ettaib (Italy): Alleged participant in procurement activities linked to Namazi.Under these sanctions, all property and interests of the designated individuals and entities subject to U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. Additionally, foreign financial institutions dealing with the sanctioned parties may face potential secondary sanctions. The latest designations build on sanctions announced in May and June targeting procurement networks linked to the IRGC and Iran’s Centre for Innovation and Technology Cooperation (CITC).
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
