Washington Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Individuals and Entities… What’s New?
The United States on Tuesday slapped new sanctions on more than 10 individuals and entities in Iran, China and Hong Kong, including Iran’s military attache in Beijing, accusing them of running a procurement network for Iran’s missile and military programs.
A Treasury Department statement said the network made transfers and enabled the purchase of sensitive and critical parts and technology for key players in the development of an Iranian ballistic missile, including the Defense Ministry, and support for Iran’s U.S.-sanctioned armed forces.
Among those affected by the sanctions, which come as Washington increases pressure on Tehran, is Daoud Damghani, an Iranian military attaché in Beijing who is accused by the Treasury of coordinating military-related purchases from China that ultimately end up in the hands of Iranian users, including companies affiliated with the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Support.
“The United States will continue to target illicit cross-border procurement networks that covertly support Iran’s ballistic missile production and other military programs,” Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bryan Nelson said in the statement.
One of the companies targeted by sanctions in China is a company accused by the US Treasury of selling centrifuges and other equipment and services for hundreds of thousands of dollars to an Iranian company.
He also targeted the company’s director and employee, as well as Hong Kong-based Lynjoy Operations Engineering Co. Ltd., which the Treasury says serves as a front for the China-based company, and its dealings with Iranian companies.
Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Missile Unit Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced that his forces had for the first time manufactured an ultrasonic ballistic missile; “It is a quick and maneuverable weapon, in remarks likely to heighten concerns about Tehran’s missile capabilities.”
“This missile is of high speed and can maneuver inside and outside the atmosphere. It will target advanced enemy anti-missile systems, which is a major jump in the missile field,” Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by the Revolutionary Guards’ Faris and Tasnim news agencies.
“This new missile can penetrate all missile defense systems, and I think no technology will be found capable of countering it for decades to come,” Hajizadeh said. “This missile is aimed at enemy anti-missile systems and is a big leap in the generation of missiles,” AFP reported.
Hypersonic missiles can fly at speeds of more than 6,000 kilometers per hour. That’s five times faster than the speed of sound, and in a complex path makes it hard to intercept.
Concerns about Iranian ballistic missiles contributed to a 2018 U.S. decision, under former President Donald Trump, to withdraw from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers in 2015.
It was the third announcement related to the controversial missile program in a week, as the country is rocked by the latest public protests calling for an end to the regime.
