US imposes fresh sanctions over Iran weapons procurement Two Russian firms among targets

The US government announced a new round of sanctions on September 29 targeting 13 individuals and entities, including organisations and individuals based in Russia, China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, over their alleged role in helping Iran procure weapons and related components.

The measures, imposed by the Treasury and State departments, are part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign to economically isolate Iran and pressure Tehran into negotiations aimed at ending the war that began after a US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Treasury will not tolerate any support to ​the regime and will continue to identify, expose, and isolate Iran’s ⁠enablers.”

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions are intended to weaken Tehran’s ability to rebuild its weapons programs while raising the costs for companies and individuals involved in its procurement networks.

The list includes two Russian companies:

• MG-Flot LLC — a Russian shipping company registered in the Astrakhan region. Formerly known as Transmorflot LLC until 2022, it operates in maritime transportation across the Caspian Sea.

• A.S. Yakovlev Experimental Design Bureau JSC — a company previously involved in developing aircraft and helicopters and now engaged in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles.

However, experts believe the new restrictions are unlikely to significantly affect Iran’s ability to use missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz or against countries in the Persian Gulf.

By Jeyhun Aghazada