The US State Department has imposed sanctions on four Iranian organizations and one individual, believed to be involved in the development and production of drones supplied to Russia and various militant groups across the Middle East. Washington announced these measures at the same time as the EU imposed sanctions on individuals and entities associated with Iran’s UAV industry.
Among the latest targets of US sanctions are four entities connected to Rayan Roshd Afzar Company, along with an executive from the Iran Aviation Industries Organization, a subsidiary of the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. This organization oversees manufacturers like Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company and Qods Aviation Industries.
This action follows EU sanctions imposed last Friday on several Iranian and North Korean individuals and organizations. Brussels accused six individuals and three entities from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) of assisting Russia, as well as generating funds for illicit nuclear and ballistic-missile programs in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Furthermore, the EU imposed restrictions on Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, along with nine other individuals and legal entities. These individuals are accused of supplying Russia with Iranian-made drones allegedly used against targets in Ukraine.
Iran, however, has consistently denied accusations of cooperating with Russia in the military sphere, asserting that it is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine. Similarly, the West has levied similar allegations and imposed sanctions on China for allegedly providing “lethal aid” to Russia. Beijing has denied these “groundless” claims, stressing its non-involvement in the crisis.
Moscow has also denied using any Iranian drones or other foreign weaponry during the conflict. The Kremlin maintains that all weapons employed by the Russian military in Ukraine are domestically produced.