US sanctions suppliers of Iran’s drone program

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States on Wednesday slapped new sanctions on Iran’s drone program, targeting suppliers in China and elsewhere.

“The network sanctioned today has procured goods and technology for the Iranian government and its defense industry and UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] program,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson.

The managing director of Pardazan System Namad Arman (PASNA), Mehdi Khoshghadam, was sanctioned. PASNA is an Iranian import company that was sanctioned by the US in 2018. Khoshghadam “is responsible for the company’s sanctions evasion efforts,” said the US Treasury, accusing him of using front companies to secure electronic components from mainly China-based suppliers.

Six entities based in Iran, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China were also sanctioned for supplying PASNA.

“Iran’s proliferation of UAVs and other weapons continues to destabilize the Middle East region and beyond,” the US Treasury stated.

Iran is accused of supplying drones that have been used by Russia to target critical infrastructure in its war against Ukraine.

Combat drones were on display at a military parade in Tehran on Tuesday marking the country’s annual Army Day, attended by President Ebrahim Raisi.

"The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a well-equipped and up-to-date army. The use of advanced equipment in the army is one of the clear manifestations of the 'We Can' slogan, which has made opportunities for ourselves and the country out of threats and sanctions,” he said at the ceremony.

Claiming the ceremony celebrating the army was a message “of peace and friendship for the countries of the region,” Raisi said outside forces “especially American forces, should leave the region as soon as possible because they threaten the security of the region.”

US sanctions suppliers of Iran’s drone program

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