US, Australia Impose More Sanctions over Iran's Missile, Drone Programs

The United States has sanctioned a group of people and firms based in Iran, China, Hong Kong and Venezuela that it says have enabled Tehran’s "destabilizing ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs."

The Treasury Department on October 18 announced the new sanctions on 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel for having allegedly supported Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics in their “production and proliferation” of missiles and drones.

Brian Nelson, Treasury’s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence said Iran’s “reckless choice to continue its proliferation of destructive UAVs and other weapons prolongs numerous conflicts in regions around the world.” 

The US administration says that Tehran is providing Russia with UAVs for its war in Ukraine, as well as materials to build a drone manufacturing plant east of Moscow.

The new penalties came as the United Nations’ restrictions on Iran missile-related activities under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 were set to expire on October 18.

The expiration of the sanctions falls under a sunset clause of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement with world powers, which gave Tehran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear program. Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the deal in 2018 and restored crippling sanctions on Iran. Efforts to revive it have failed.

“Despite the expiration of UNSCR 2231, the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to counter the threat posed by Iran’s procurement, development, and proliferation of missiles, UAVs, and other military weapons,” the Treasury said.

Meanwhile, Australia said it had reimposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans that were previously imposed under the UN resolution on 19 Iranian individuals and 57 entities for their role in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

The Australian minister for foreign affairs, the Hon Penny Wong, said in a statement that a further three individuals and 11 entities were listed, “due to their association with persons or entities sanctioned” under UN Resolution 2231.

The Australian government “is working deliberately and strategically to apply pressure on the Iranian regime for failing to uphold its international obligations, including its nuclear-related commitments,” she said.

“Iran’s proliferation of ballistic and cruise missiles raises tensions in an already volatile region,” the minister added. “Iran must cease its escalatory actions in its nuclear program and recommit to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments.”

In light of the expiration of the restrictions under Security Council Resolution 2231, the US State Department published a joint statement in which 45 countries committed to countering Iranian missile-related activities.

The countries said they reaffirmed their commitment “to take all necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of ballistic missile-related items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, to protect peace and stability in the region.”

“Iran’s missile program remains one of the greatest challenges to international nonproliferation efforts,” the statement said.