The United States has sanctioned four Iranian entities and one individual connected with the development, manufacture, and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs are reportedly provided by the Iranian regime to Russia and militant proxies to prolong conflict and destabilize the region. The designations were issued concurrently with the European Union's sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Iran's UAV industry.
A U.S. official stated, "We applaud the first use of the EU’s new sanctions authority targeting Iranian destabilizing behavior and support for terrorism in the Middle East."
The targets include four entities associated with Rayan Roshd Afzar Company, which is already designated by the U.S., as well as an executive from Iran Aviation Industries Organization. This organization is a subsidiary of the U.S.-designated Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, overseeing UAV manufacturers such as Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company and Qods Aviation Industries.
This action was taken under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. It builds on previous actions by the Treasury Department on February 2, March 20, April 18, and April 25, 2024, targeting third-country procurement networks and executives supporting Iranian UAV and missile production.
For more information on this action, see Treasury’s press release.
