The United States has imposed sanctions on six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the UAE, and China for their involvement in procuring critical components for Iran's UAV and ballistic missile programs.
In a statement, the US State Department emphasized that "today's action is a part of President Trump's maximum pressure campaign on the Iranian regime to disrupt efforts by the US-sanctioned Iran-based Qods Aviation Industries to procure equipment for Iran's military-industrial complex and UAV program".
"The United States will use all available means to expose and disrupt Iran's growing UAV and missile development programs and weapons proliferation, which destabilize the Middle East and beyond," the statement added. Additionally, the State Department affirmed that it will continue taking action against Iran's intricate schemes in third countries to obscure its procurement and transfer of sensitive technology.
It further highlighted that Iran utilizes this technology, along with proceeds from arms sales, to strengthen its military-industrial base to build missiles and UAVs. These weapons are deployed against other nations and supplied to Russia, terrorist proxy groups across the Middle East, and other concerning actors.
The US Treasury Department took this action under Executive Order 13382, which aims to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their enablers.
US visa restrictions on Chinese officials
Separately, the US government has placed additional visa restrictions on Chinese officials accused of obstructing access to Tibetan areas for American diplomats, journalists, and international observers.
Citing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Beijing has long denied foreign access to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) while allowing its own diplomats and journalists unrestricted entry into the United States.
"For too long, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has barred US officials and international observers from Tibet, preventing them from engaging with local communities. Meanwhile, China's diplomats and journalists enjoy broad access in the US," Rubio noted.
He added that these restrictions hinder US diplomats from assisting American citizens traveling in Tibet, reinforcing concerns over China’s strict control of the region.
