US sanctions target Iranian drone, missile networks
Also in Iran
Iran threatens shift toward nuclear arms if attacked by US or Israel
Iran summons Swiss envoy to protest US 'threats,' potential Israeli 'mischief': FM
Iranian intelligence block access to Qazi Muhammad's tomb on execution anniversary
Khamenei warns of 'strong' retaliation if US attacks
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States imposed sanctions against six entities and two individuals linked to the procurement of parts for Iran's drone and ballistic missile program, the State Department said on Tuesday.
'Today's action is a part of President [Donald] Trump's maximum pressure campaign on the Iranian regime, to disrupt efforts by the U.S.-sanctioned Iran-based Qods Aviation Industries to procure equipment for Iran's military-industrial complex and UAV program,' State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.
The sanctioned entities and individuals are based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and China, according to the statement.
'Iran uses this technology and the proceeds from arms sales to bolster its military industrial base to build missiles and UAVs, which are used against fellow countries, as well as exported to Russia, terrorist proxy groups around the Middle East, and to other actors of concern,' the statement added.
After returning to the White House in February, Trump in early February restored his 'maximum pressure' policy against Tehran, arguing that it is 'too close' to a nuclear weapon. He also expressed openness to negotiate a new deal with Tehran, though Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei deemed negotiations 'unwise.'
Under a 2015 nuclear deal - formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - with world powers, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear enrichment program in exchange for much-needed relief from crippling sanctions.
But the deal began unraveling in 2018 when Trump, during his first term, unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord and reimposed biting sanctions on Iran.
Tehran adhered to the deal for a year before gradually ramping up its nuclear activities afterward.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraq Business
41 minutes ago
- Iraq Business
Al-Mathar Group Acquires 4 Corners Creative Agency
By John Lee. Baghdad-based advertising firm 4 Corners Creative Agency has announced that it has been acquired in full by Al-Mathar Group, marking what it describes as, " a strategic step aimed at supporting the agency's growth and strengthening its position in both the local and regional markets. " 4 Corners was founded in 2016 by Ameer Alaa. Under the agreement, the agency's current leadership will assume advisory roles, while a new executive team will focus on innovation, regional expansion, and strategic partnerships. Al-Mathar Group, established as an engineering business in 2004, said the acquisition reflects its strong belief in the potential of Iraq's creative sector and its commitment to investing in local brands with regional impact. The group expressed its vision to transform 4 Corners into a regional hub for excellence in advertising and marketing. (Source: 4 Corners) Tags: 4 Corners Creative Agency, advertising, Al-Mathar Group, cg, featured
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
US Defense Official to Shafaq News: Middle East tensions under watch
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the US Department of Defense confirmed that it has authorized the voluntary departure of military families from several locations within the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations, which covers Iraq and other countries across the Middle East. 'The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East,' a US Defense Official told Shafaq News, adding that 'CENTCOM is working in close coordination with our Department of State counterparts, as well as our Allies and partners in the region to maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.' Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Baghdad affirmed to Shafaq News that 'US President Donald Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad', explaining that 'In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq.' A senior Iraqi government official told Shafaq News that 'There are no security indicators on the Iraqi side that justify an evacuation,' clarifying, 'steps concern the American diplomatic presence in several countries in the region, not Iraq alone'. These developments come amid rising regional tensions, particularly following comments by Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who warned that Iran would strike US bases in the region if a confrontation erupted with Washington over nuclear negotiation.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Oil prices jump 4% to 2-month high as tensions rise in Middle East
Shafaq News/ Oil prices rose more than 4% on Wednesday, to their highest in more than two months, after sources said the US was preparing to evacuate its Iraqi embassy due to heightened security concerns in the Middle East. Brent crude futures settled $2.90, or 4.34%, higher to $69.77 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $3.17, or 4.88%, to $68.15. Both Brent and WTI reached their highest since early April. Surprised traders bought crude futures on reports the US was preparing to evacuate its embassy in Iraq, OPEC's No. 2 crude producer after Saudi Arabia. A US official said military dependents could also leave Bahrain. "The market wasn't expecting this big geopolitical risk," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. Earlier, Iran's Minister of Defense Aziz Nasirzadeh Tehran will strike US bases in the region if nuclear talks fail and conflict arises with Washington. Trump said he was less confident that Iran would agree to stop uranium enrichment in a nuclear deal with Washington, according to an interview released on Wednesday. Ongoing tension with Iran means its oil supplies are likely to remain curtailed by sanctions. Supplies will still increase, as OPEC+ plans to boost oil production by 411,000 barrels per day in July as it looks to unwind production cuts for a fourth straight month. "Greater oil demand within OPEC+ economies – most notably Saudi Arabia – could offset additional supply from the group over the coming months and support oil prices," said Capital Economics' analyst Hamad Hussain in a note. Also keeping prices elevated was news of a trade deal between the US and China, which could boost energy demand in the world's two biggest economies. Trump said Beijing would supply magnets and rare earth minerals and the US will allow Chinese students in its colleges and universities. Trump added the deal is subject to final approval by him and President Xi Jinping. The trade-related downside risk in oil has been temporarily removed, although the market reaction has been tepid as it is not clear how economic growth and global oil demand will be affected, PVM analyst Tamas Varga said. In the US, crude inventories fell by 3.6 million barrels to 432.4 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a draw of 2 million barrels. "It's a bullish report," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho, adding that the demand for motor gasoline began to strengthen. Product supplied for motor gasoline, a proxy for demand, rose by about 907,000 barrels per day last week, to 9.17 million bpd. US consumer prices increased only marginally in May, deepening the conviction in financial markets that the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates by September. Lower interest rates can spur economic growth and oil demand.
