WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and firms from Iran and Venezuela over allegedly contributing to Iran’s drone trade and ballistics program, which the Trump administration claims threatens the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East. The Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Tuesday, emphasizing support for the reimposed United Nations sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear program. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful.
The sanctions involve a Venezuelan firm and its chairman, who are accused of purchasing Iranian drones, alongside three Iranian individuals linked to procurement efforts for missile chemicals, and a collection of firms connected to the Rayan Fan Group, which has previously faced sanctions by the U.S.
Earlier this year, President Trump reinitiated a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran aimed at thwarting its nuclear weapons development, which included U.S.-led strikes on critical Iranian enrichment facilities amidst heightened conflict with Israel.
This week, Trump warned Iran of possible further military action if it attempts to revive its nuclear program, during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. U.S. officials underscore that Iran's supply of conventional weapons to Venezuela poses a direct threat to U.S. interests in the region.
The sanctions involve a Venezuelan firm and its chairman, who are accused of purchasing Iranian drones, alongside three Iranian individuals linked to procurement efforts for missile chemicals, and a collection of firms connected to the Rayan Fan Group, which has previously faced sanctions by the U.S.
Earlier this year, President Trump reinitiated a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran aimed at thwarting its nuclear weapons development, which included U.S.-led strikes on critical Iranian enrichment facilities amidst heightened conflict with Israel.
This week, Trump warned Iran of possible further military action if it attempts to revive its nuclear program, during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. U.S. officials underscore that Iran's supply of conventional weapons to Venezuela poses a direct threat to U.S. interests in the region.
