US Targets Iranian Military, Cyber and Oil Networks With New Sanctions

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iranian military officials, companies, vessels and other entities accused of supporting the country’s weapons programmes, cyber operations and illicit oil trade. The measures form part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to disrupt revenue and procurement networks linked to Tehran.

The sanctions target Iranian military officials accused of procuring weapons and directing attacks against US forces and regional partners. They also cover Iran-based entities that allegedly collected intelligence for targeting US personnel and allies.

Washington additionally sanctioned a procurement network it said supplies Iran’s military and missile programmes, as well as an Iran-linked cyber group accused of carrying out intrusions into US critical infrastructure.

The action further targets a network of shippers and brokers involved in moving Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products through the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore and Europe. The US said proceeds from the trade help finance the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and other Iranian government entities.

The cyber-related measures were coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Last week the FBI announced indictments against eight Iranian nationals accused of participating in a hacking campaign that targeted US energy companies, defence contractors, healthcare institutions and government offices.

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme has offered rewards of up to 10 million US dollars for information leading to the location of five individuals accused of conducting cyber operations against US critical infrastructure on behalf of the Iranian government.

Washington said it would continue targeting Iran’s military and proliferation activities, procurement networks, cyber operations and oil trade. It also called on other countries to take action against those involved in these networks.

The latest measures add to existing US efforts to restrict Iran’s access to international financial, commercial and procurement systems, particularly those connected to energy exports, military supplies and cyber capabilities.

Officials described the sanctions as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Iran while protecting US national security interests and those of its regional partners.

The designations are expected to further limit the ability of the targeted individuals and entities to operate in the global financial system.

Source: FSX Business News