US sanctions network over alleged assistance in procuring Iranian UAVs

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Sep 2023 19:39
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The US Treasury Department again accuses Tehran of supplying Moscow with drones used against Ukraine.

Iranian kamikaze drones displayed during drills in Iran (AFP)

The US imposed on Wednesday fresh sanctions against a network it claimed was assisting in the procurement of key parts for Iran's drone program on Wednesday, accusing Tehran of supplying Moscow with drones used against Ukraine.

The United States Treasury Department alleged that the network allowed shipments and financial transactions in support of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) acquisition of a vital component utilized in Iran's Shahed-136 drones.

According to the Department, the new Tehran-related sanctions targeted businesses and individuals in Iran, China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Treasury official Brian Nelson claimed in a statement that "Iranian-made UAVs continue to be a key tool for Russia in its attacks in Ukraine, including those that terrorize Ukrainian citizens and attack its critical infrastructure."

Ukraine and its Western allies have long been accusing Iran of supplying drones to Russia in the midst of the war. However, Iranian and Russian officials have repeatedly slammed the allegations as false.

In late June, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia affirmed that Russia rejects allegations by Western states that it has been using Iranian drones in Ukraine.

The Russian diplomat said his country hopes the UN Secretariat will not yield to pressure from certain member states regarding allegations that Russia is using Iranian drones in Ukraine.

China opposes US sanctions on firms for alleged links to Iran drones

In a related context, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson condemned on Tuesday the US decision to include several Chinese companies and individuals on its "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List," describing it as a misuse of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction by the United States, Xinhua reported.

The sanctions were enforced on Chinese companies and individuals for alleged connections to Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle and military aircraft development program.

According to the spokesperson, the move by the US Department of the Treasury represents a troubling escalation of tensions between the two global powers.

China views this decision as a clear violation of international trade norms and regulations, one that threatens to disrupt normal international economic and trade interactions, the Chinese spokesperson pointed out.

Furthermore, the decision is seen as a direct infringement on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms and individuals involved, the spokesperson added.

"The United States has abused unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, undermined international trade order and rules, obstructed normal international economic and trade exchanges, and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms and individuals," the spokesperson said.

China's Ministry of Commerce called upon the United States to immediately cease its baseless suppression of Chinese companies and individuals.

Elsewhere, the Chinese spokesperson stressed that his country is prepared to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in light of the situation.