Dubai – The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new round of sweeping sanctions targeting 17 individuals and 21 entities across China and several other countries, accusing them of facilitating illicit procurement networks that support Iran’s ballistic missile and military aircraft programs.

According to a statement from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned parties played key roles in acquiring sensitive technologies and components used in Iran’s weapons development, in violation of international sanctions and export controls. The networks allegedly operated through front companies and intermediaries to obscure the origin and destination of military-grade materials.

“These sanctions underscore our commitment to disrupting Iran’s military supply chains and holding accountable those who enable its destabilizing activities,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson. “The individuals and entities designated today have directly contributed to the advancement of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and military aviation.”

The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets of the listed parties and prohibit American citizens and companies from conducting business with them. The move is part of a broader strategy to curb Iran’s access to dual-use technologies and prevent the proliferation of weapons that threaten regional and global security.

Officials emphasized that the action was coordinated with international partners and follows months of intelligence gathering. The targeted entities span sectors including electronics, aerospace, and logistics, with several based in mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Iranian government has not yet responded to the announcement, but previous sanctions have drawn sharp criticism from Tehran, which accuses Washington of economic warfare.