US sanctions Chinese nationals and HK firm for aiding Iran missile programme
The United States on Wednesday unveiled fresh sanctions against six people and 12 firms – including several based in mainland China and Hong Kong – for their support of Iran's ballistic missile programme.
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The action follows sanctions on a series of entities and individuals linked to Iran's oil industry and nuclear programme the Trump administration imposed in recent weeks.
Wednesday's sanctions are aimed at organisations involved in 'efforts to help the Iranian regime domestically source the manufacturing of critical materials needed for Tehran's ballistic missile programme', according to the US Treasury Department.
'The United States cannot allow Iran to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles,' US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.
Tehran's attempts to produce missiles and components domestically 'represents an unacceptable threat to the United States and the stability of the region', he added.
A truck carrying the S-300 missile system takes part in the annual Army Day celebration in Tehran, Iran, in April. Photo: EPA-EFE
Those sanctioned include three Chinese nationals – Qin Jinhua, Qin Dehui, and Wang Chao – who work for a China-based firm which has exported carbon fibre precursor materials to a sanctioned Iranian firm, and another Hong Kong-based company.
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