United States President Donald Trump’s administration has added a group of 10 individuals and companies to its list of global entities being sanctioned over alleged ties to the Iranian military, Al Jazeera reports.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US Treasury accused representatives and technology firms based in China, Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia of procuring weapons and parts for Iran’s military. Three of the sanctioned entities were located in Iran.
“Today’s action further degrades the Iranian regime’s ability to reconstitute its weapons programs and increases the costs for those who choose to aid Tehran’s military procurement efforts,” the US Treasury said.
The sanctions were undertaken as part of Operation Economic Outcast, a Treasury Department effort to further restrict Iran’s access to global markets.
Iran has been locked in a war with the US and Israel since February 28, after the two allies launched a series of deadly attacks targeting Tehran’s leadership and military.
But critics have argued that the war has no clear end in sight, despite claims of victory on both sides.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast in August, aimed at pressuring Tehran into agreeing to a deal to end the war.
Trump claimed the operation would usher in “economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale”, and he warned that any country that participates in trade with Iran would face “tremendous” consequences.
As part of the campaign’s initial volley of sanctions, China-based firms and business leaders were targeted.
But China remains one of Iran’s largest trading partners, and the Trump administration has faced scrutiny over how forcefully it would confront Beijing over its participation in Iran’s economy.
