The United States has announced sanctions against entities and individuals primarily located in China and Hong Kong for their involvement in supporting Iran's ballistic missile program. According to a statement by Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson, the move highlights Iran's dependence on China for its activities in the Middle East.
These sanctioned parties are involved in aiding Iran's efforts to produce carbon fiber domestically, which is used in the country's ballistic missile program. The support includes supplying carbon fiber materials, precursors, and manufacturing equipment to various sub-organizations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), such as the IRGC Aerospace Force Research and Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF RSSJO) and IRGC Research and Self Sufficiency Jehad Organization (IRGC RSSJO).
This action aligns with President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum-2, aimed at applying maximum pressure to limit Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. The goal is to disrupt resources available to the IRGC and its affiliates that contribute to regional instability.
The U.S. plans to utilize all available measures, including imposing sanctions on third-country entities, to expose and halt Iran’s procurement schemes related to its missile program. This initiative is seen as essential for maintaining stability in the Middle East.
The Department of Treasury implemented these actions under Executive Order 13382, targeting those involved with weapons of mass destruction proliferation.