The Trump administration is imposing a raft of new sanctions meant to undermine Iran’s military as President Donald Trump weighs United States military action against the Islamic Republic.
The Treasury Department announced Friday morning that one person and eight entities were being designated “for their involvement in the procurement and transshipment of sensitive machinery for Iran’s defense industry.” One vessel used to transport sensitive technologies was also identified as blocked property.
“The U.S. remains resolved to disrupt any effort by Iran to procure the sensitive, dual-use technology, components, and machinery that underpin the regime’s ballistic missile, unmanned aerial vehicle, and asymmetric weapons programs. We have been clear: those who enable these schemes will be held accountable,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “Treasury will continue to degrade Iran’s ability to produce and proliferate these deadly weapons, which threaten regional stability and global security.”
As provided by the Trump administration, the newly designated entities and individuals are as follows.
— Hong Kong-based Unico Shipping
— Shun Kai Xing, a bulk carrier owned by Unico Shipping
— Zhang Yanbang, shipmaster of the Shun Kai Xing
— China-based Futech
— Hong Kong-based Athena Shipping
— Singapore-based V-Shipping
— China-based Shenzhen Xinxin Shipping
— Turkey-based Edis Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi
Officials from the White House and the Treasury Department declined to characterize the technologies shipped to Iran by the aforementioned companies.
Trump announced on Thursday that he would decide on whether to enter Israel’s war with Iran over the next two weeks, as the president keeps the door open to diplomacy over its nuclear program.
“You don’t seriously think I’m going to answer that question,” Trump laughed when asked Wednesday when the U.S. might enter the fray. “You don’t know that I’m going to even do it. You don’t know. I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do. I can tell you this — that Iran’s got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate.”
TRUMP KEEPS THE WORLD WAITING WITH HIS ATTENTION-GRABBING IRAN DELIBERATIONS
Furthermore, Trump has suggested that Iran may send intermediaries directly to the White House to resume negotiations.