Washington – The United States sanctioned Iranian defense companies on Wednesday after a series of ballistic missile attacks on targets in Iraq and the Gulf.
The neighbors of the United States and Iran blame this country for March 13 strike in Irbil, Iraq, and by repeated missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates by Houthis fighters backed by Iran in Yemen.
A Houthi missile attack on Friday set fire to an Aramco Saudi oil storage site, prompting warnings from angry Saudi leaders that the attacks threatened the stability of the global oil market.
Even as the US does indirect negotiations with Iran to revive the limits of Iran’s nuclear program, it will maintain sanctions against those involved in Iran’s ballistic missile production, Treasury Undersecretary Brian Nelson said in announcing the sanctions.
“We will also work with other partners in the region to hold Iran accountable for its actions, including serious violations of the sovereignty of its neighbors,” Nelson said in a statement.
Ahmed Mzoori / AP
The Treasury Department said Wednesday’s sanctions were aimed at a recruitment agent based in Iran and its companies, who helped acquire propellant-related materials for the Iran’s missile research program. Revolutionary Guard of Iran; an Iranian defense company; and an Iranian intermediary who also assisted in the development of the missile propellant.
The sanctions were authorized under an existing executive order aimed at producers and supporters of weapons of mass destruction. Sanctions allow the U.S. to block the assets of sanctioned individuals and entities, and prosecute others who do business with them.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been at war with Iran-backed Houthis fighters who have seized much of northern Yemen. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the March 13 attack on Erbil and claimed that it was targeting an Israeli strategic center there.
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