By Amr Gohar
WASHINGTON, D.C. The United States announced sweeping new sanctions targeting Iranian weapons procurement networks and a so-called “shadow fleet” accused of secretly transporting hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil and petrochemical products.
According to a U.S. Department of State press release, the designations focus on individuals and entities operating in Iran, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates that allegedly support Tehran’s ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons development programs. The measures also sanction vessels, owners, and operators accused of helping Iran bypass existing oil sanctions.
U.S. officials said the Iranian government continues to prioritize missile development and the funding of foreign proxy groups while its domestic economy struggles. The new sanctions aim to disrupt illicit revenue streams that Washington says are used to finance destabilizing activities across the region.
The action implements President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 by countering Iran’s missile expansion and broader weapons capabilities. It also seeks to deny the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) access to financial assets tied to oil exports and procurement networks.
The measures were taken under Executive Orders 13382, 13949, and 13902, authorities that target weapons proliferators and key sectors of Iran’s economy.
U.S. officials said Washington will continue using economic pressure to expose and disrupt networks that support Iran’s military programs and regional activities.
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