The United States imposed new sanctions on Wednesday on three procurement networks that are supporting Iran’s ballistic missile, nuclear and defense programs, the Treasury Department said in a statement.
It said the networks—based in Germany, Turkey, Iran and Oman—had procured epoxy resins, carbon fiber and other missile-applicable goods.
“Through complex covert procurement networks, Iran seeks to supply rogue actors around the world with weapons systems that fuel conflict and risk countless civilian lives,” said Brian Nelson, the Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The United States will continue to use our tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those countries that would help proliferate Iran’s drones and missiles.”
Dual Iranian-German national Maziar Karimi, based in Germany, has procured epoxy resin and other items for Iran’s IRGC ASF SSJO using a sophisticated web of intermediaries and front companies, the Treasury said. Karimi has used Oman-based Mazaya Alardh Aldhabia LLC (MAA) as a front company to carry out procurements for Iranian defense stakeholders, including the IRGC ASF SSJO and Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
Turkey-based company Gokler Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi has made way for procurements of carbon fiber and solvents used in the production of carbon fiber for Iran’s MODAFL and its subsidiaries. Additionally, Rostam Shahmari Ghojeh Biklo, Pishro Mobtaker Peyvand (PMP) and Mitra Inanlu were implicated in the procurement of proliferation-sensitive material for proscribed elements of Iran’s nuclear and other military weapons programs through various cover entities, including Alborz Organic Materials Engineering Company.
Last month, the Treasury announced punitive measures targeting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone procurement programs as Washington looked to increase pressure on Tehran, whose proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and the Gaza Strip have attacked US and Israeli targets.
