The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions on multiple entities, individuals, and vessels involved in facilitating the clandestine sale of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). These actions are part of efforts to combat those financing Iran’s destabilizing activities.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson stated, “Iran’s Ministry of Defense continues to destabilize the region and world with its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine, unprecedented attack on Israel, and proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorist proxies.”
Sahara Thunder, a key front company overseeing MODAFL’s commercial activities, has been instrumental in Iran’s sale of UAVs, including a significant contract with Russia for the production of Iranian-designed attack UAVs. The sanctioned entities and individuals, including Generation Trading FZE and leaders of Sahara Thunder, have been designated for their support in these activities.
Furthermore, the Iranian cargo airline Pouya Air has been re-designated for its involvement in transporting Iranian military UAVs to Russia. Bonyan Danesh Shargh Private Company and its leadership have also been targeted for their support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization in the procurement and development of UAVs.
The sanctions imposed by OFAC aim to block all property and interests in property of the designated persons in the United States and prevent transactions involving them. Financial institutions and individuals engaging with the sanctioned entities may face sanctions or enforcement actions.
The ultimate goal of these sanctions is to bring about a positive change in behavior. For more information on the designated individuals and entities, refer to the official announcement by the Department of the Treasury.
