The United States has imposed new sanctions on a network of individuals and companies accused of helping Iran obtain materials and equipment linked to its military drone programme, the US Department of the Treasury announced on Friday.
The sanctions target 10 individuals and entities, including businesses based in China and Hong Kong, which Washington says were involved in supplying weapons-related components and raw materials used in the production of Iran’s Shahed drones.
In a statement, the Treasury Department said the measures are part of ongoing efforts to weaken Iran’s military-industrial capabilities and restrict its ability to rebuild weapons production networks. US officials accused the sanctioned parties of supporting procurement operations tied to Iran’s defence sector at a time of heightened regional tensions.
The Shahed drones, produced by Iran, have drawn international attention in recent years because of their use in conflicts across the Middle East and beyond. Western governments have repeatedly accused Tehran of exporting drone technology and military equipment in violation of international restrictions.
US authorities said the latest sanctions are intended to disrupt supply chains that provide Iran with critical technology and industrial materials. The Treasury Department warned that foreign firms helping Tehran evade sanctions could also face punitive measures from Washington.
Officials said the United States remains prepared to take further economic action against Iran’s military infrastructure. The statement added that the administration is ready to impose secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions and businesses found to be facilitating prohibited trade with Iran.
Particular attention was directed toward companies connected to private Chinese oil refineries and financial institutions allegedly linked to transactions involving Iranian entities. Washington has previously accused some Chinese firms of maintaining trade relationships that help Iran bypass international restrictions on oil exports and industrial imports.
The Treasury Department also signalled that airlines and logistics companies involved in transporting restricted goods for Iran could become future targets of enforcement action.
The move comes as the United States continues to increase economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing disputes over Iran’s regional activities, weapons development and sanctions enforcement. American officials argue that restricting access to foreign suppliers is critical to slowing Iran’s production of military technology, including unmanned aerial systems.
Neither the Chinese nor Hong Kong authorities immediately responded publicly to the announcement. Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations that its military procurement activities violate international law and has criticised US sanctions as unlawful economic pressure.
The latest measures add to a broad package of restrictions already imposed on Iran’s banking, energy and defence sectors, with Washington indicating that additional sanctions could follow if foreign companies continue supporting Iranian trade networks.
