US imposes more Iran drone sanctions as UN rules set to expire
Associated PressWASHINGTON — The U.S. on Wednesday imposed sanctions on a group of people and firms based in Iran, China, Hong Kong and Venezuela, tied to the development of Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. 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.” A UAV is an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone. The U.S. will continue to take action to disrupt Iran’s proliferation of UAVs and other weapons to oppressive regimes and destabilizing actors, and we encourage the international community to do the same.” Among other things, the sanctions deny the people and firms access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them. President Joe Biden’s administration maintains that Iran is providing Russia with drones and materials to build a drone manufacturing plant east of Moscow as President Vladimir Putin’s government invades Ukraine.