The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities linked to combat drone sales between Iran and Venezuela. This action aims to hold both countries accountable for their dangerous proliferation of weaponry. Under Secretary John K. Hawley stated that the U.S. will continue to act against those supporting Iran’s military industrial complex.
Key highlights include:
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Targets: Venezuelan company EANSA and its chairman José Jesús Urdaneta González are specifically named for their roles in acquiring Iranian-made UAVs, particularly the Mohajer series, used by the Venezuelan military.
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Drone Acquisition: The Mohajer-6 UAV, equipped for reconnaissance and combat, forms a part of a broader drone trade that has been ongoing since 2006.
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Chemical Procurement: OFAC has also targeted individuals associated with Iran’s Parchin Chemical Industries that are involved in procuring chemicals for missile production.
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Sanction Mechanism: The sanctions block all property of these designated persons in the U.S. and prohibit transactions involving them.
- Enforcement: The Treasury emphasizes that violations can lead to penalties, and they are committed to adjusting sanctions based on changes in behavior.
The sanctions reflect U.S. efforts to mitigate threats posed by Iranian military developments and their impact on regional stability and U.S. interests.
