US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian, Venezuelan Firms Over Drone and Missile Trade

The United States has sanctioned 10 Iranian and Venezuelan individuals and companies, citing support for Iran’s drone exports and ballistic missile programs.

On Tuesday, December 30, the United States has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies from Iran and Venezuela, accusing them of supporting Iran’s drone exports and ballistic missile programs. The Trump administration said the moves threaten U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.

Those sanctioned include a Venezuelan company and its chairman, accused of purchasing Iranian-made drones, three Iranian nationals linked to procurement of chemicals used in missile production, and several Iran-based entities connected to the previously sanctioned Rayan Fan Group.

John K. Hurley, Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department, said Washington would continue to block access to the U.S. financial system for those supporting Iran’s military-industrial complex. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott added that Tehran’s conventional weapons transfers to Venezuela violate UN restrictions and endanger regional security.

The sanctions are intended to reinforce UN sanctions reimposed on Iran over its nuclear program, as part of a renewed “maximum pressure” campaign by President Trump to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, following U.S.-led strikes on Iranian uranium enrichment facilities this year.

The U.S. has maintained a long-standing policy of sanctioning countries and entities involved in the proliferation of weapons and missile technologies, particularly in regions considered sensitive for U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Venezuela has increasingly relied on Iranian military and technological support amid its ongoing political and economic crisis.

The sanctions come amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, with Trump warning that additional military strikes could occur if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities, comments made during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

Analysts say the sanctions aim to disrupt global supply chains for Iran’s drone and missile programs, signaling U.S. commitment to counter proliferation and support allies such as Israel and Gulf states in the region.

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