The State Department issued new sanctions on Iran this week following the United Nations imposing its own.
“These sanctions actions demonstrate Iran’s continuing attempts to procure components and technologies in support of its proliferation activities that threaten U.S. and regional security,” a statement from the State Department’s spokesperson’s office read, explaining that the “United States, as directed in the President’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 from February 4, is committed to denying Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon and we will not hesitate to hold accountable non-Iranian entities that contribute to or otherwise support Tehran’s proliferation programs in violation of UN restrictions.”
Those being sanctioned include Reza Mozaffarinia, the current Director of SPND; Ali Fuladvand, the Head of the Research Directorate at SPND;Mohammad Reza Ghadir Zare Zaghalchi, an SPND-affiliated official; Ali Kalvand, the CEO and Director of SPND cover company DamavandTec; Ali Bakouei, an SPND affiliate; and Andisheh Damavand International Technologies, the only company listed in the latest sanctions.
“The United States is implementing snapback sanctions against the Iranian regime. New sanctions and export controls will target 44 actors tied to Iran’s nuclear, missile, and military programs,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X. “As [President Trump] has made clear, we will deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon.”
The development follows the European Union reimposing sanctions on Iran in response to “Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities,” the European Council announced. The United Nations also reinstated an arms embargo on Iran after a resolution calling for a six-month extension of sanctions relief failed in a 4-9 vote. Those voting in favor of the resolution included Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan. Opposing nations were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia, while Guyana and South Korea abstained from the vote.
