WANA (Aug 01) – In a new wave of anti-Iran measures, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Thursday evening the imposition of sanctions on five entities and one individual, citing alleged involvement in Iran’s drone program.

 

According to a statement published on the department’s website, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has blacklisted individuals and organizations based in Iran, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. The action accuses them of procuring technology in support of the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), despite no publicly presented evidence.

 

The Treasury stated that the move aligns with National Security Presidential Memorandum No. 2, part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.

 

John K. Hurley, U.S. Deputy Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, claimed: “Iran continues to develop asymmetric weapons capabilities, including drones, to target the United States, our armed forces, and our allies and partners in the region. We remain committed to disrupting Tehran’s ability to pursue its destabilizing agenda that undermines regional stability and threatens American lives.”

 

This follows another major announcement from OFAC on Wednesday night, when it declared what it called the largest Iran-related sanctions action since 2018, targeting over 50 individuals and entities, as well as identifying more than 50 vessels allegedly part of a vast shipping network controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, a senior Iranian figure.

 

These sanctions are part of broader U.S. efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran, especially in the energy and maritime sectors.

 

Tehran Responds: “A Clear Sign of American Hostility”

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei condemned the new sanctions, calling them a “blatant act of hostility” and evidence of ongoing enmity by U.S. policymakers toward the Iranian people.

 

Baghaei linked the sanctions to recent military actions by both the U.S. and Israel against Iranian territory, emphasizing that the Iranian public is well aware of the “malicious intent” behind such measures.

 

“These sanctions are nothing short of a criminal attempt to undermine Iran’s sovereignty, weaken its economy, and violate the fundamental rights of every Iranian,” Baghaei said. “The Iranian nation will stand firm in defense of its dignity and interests.”

 

He went on to condemn Washington’s continued reliance on unilateral, coercive measures, saying they make a mockery of international law, state sovereignty, and the principle of free international trade.

 

Baghaei labeled the sanctions against Iran’s oil trade as “malicious and inhumane”, accusing the U.S. of committing violations that amount to crimes against humanity. He insisted the U.S. must be held accountable for the humanitarian impact of its sanctions.

 

In a final remark, Baghaei cited decades of U.S. actions against Iran — from coups and sabotage to economic warfare — and reaffirmed that “threats and sanctions will not shake the Iranian people’s resolve to uphold national sovereignty and build a prosperous nation.”

The U.S. Department of the Treasury. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The U.S. Department of the Treasury. Social media/ WANA News Agency