America puts sanctions on Iranian fighter jets manufacturers

(MENAFN) The United States State Department has announced the imposition of sanctions on four Iranian organizations and one individual suspected of involvement in the development and production of drones. Washington alleges that these drones are being supplied to Russia and various militant groups across the Middle East. The sanctions were disclosed in a press statement published on the department’s website, coinciding with similar sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) on individuals and entities associated with Iran’s UAV industry.

Among the targets of the United States sanctions are four entities linked to the Rayan Roshd Afzar Company, along with an Iranian executive affiliated with the Iran Aviation Industries Organization – a subsidiary of the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. This organization oversees UAV manufacturers, including the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company and Qods Aviation Industries.

The decision by Washington to impose sanctions comes in the wake of European Union sanctions levied against Iranian and North Korean individuals and organizations last Friday. The European Union accused several individuals and entities from North Korea of providing assistance to Russia and generating funds for illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Additionally, the European Union introduced restrictions on Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and nine others, alleging their involvement in supplying Iran-made drones to Russia, which were purportedly used in attacks in Ukraine.

Iran has consistently refuted accusations of military cooperation with Russia and denied any involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Despite these denials, the imposition of sanctions by both the United States and the European Union underscores the growing international concern over the proliferation of drones and arms in various conflict zones, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address illicit arms transfers and uphold international security norms.

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