US sanctions 10 over procuring weapons for Iran

The United States has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, including some based in China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan, for allegedly aiding Iran in procuring weapons and components, according to the US Treasury Department. This move is part of the Trump administration's strategy to economically isolate Iran and compel it to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict that escalated in February.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the Treasury Department will not condone any support to the Iranian regime and will persist in identifying, exposing, and isolating Iran's enablers. The sanctions aim to weaken Tehran's capacity to rebuild its weapons programs while simultaneously increasing the costs for those who facilitated these procurement efforts.

Seyyed Asghar Alizadeh Tabatabai, a Beijing-based representative of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics agency, was sanctioned for coordinating the acquisition of finished weapons systems and dual-use components in China. Additionally, Kavoshcom Asia R and D Group based in Iran was sanctioned for procuring electronics, including connectors, for Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company.

EC Mojo Technology Co Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, was also sanctioned for supplying electronic components that supported Kavoshcom's procurement activities, as well as Li Fen, the China-based representative of EC Mojo. Lastly, Waseem Pasha Tajammal, a Pakistani chairman of the defense company Cavalier Group, was sanctioned for his role in facilitating Iran's procurement efforts.

Brett Erickson, the managing principal of Obsidian Risk Advisors, criticized the latest sanctions, stating that they would have little impact on Iran's ability to launch missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the action as "optics management" rather than a meaningful deterrent.