WASHINGTON, D.C., May 31 — The United States has announced new sanctions against an Iranian-affiliated procurement network accused of impersonating American companies and fraudulently acquiring sensitive U.S. technology for Iran’s defense sector.
In a post on X on Saturday, the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs shared a press statement issued by the U.S. State Department detailing the sanctions.
According to the statement, the sanctions target individuals and entities allegedly working on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to obtain restricted goods from American firms through fraudulent means.
The State Department said, “Today, the United States is dismantling a sophisticated Iranian network that impersonated and defrauded American businesses to obtain sensitive technology for the Iranian regime’s military.”
The department added that the measures are part of the broader “Economic Fury” campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Iran.
U.S. authorities identified Iran-based Ali Majd Sepehr as the alleged leader of the network. According to the statement, Sepehr and his associates “defrauded dozens of American technology companies of millions of dollars by posing as legitimate U.S. businesses.”
The network is accused of attempting to acquire advanced equipment, including spectrum analyzers and security detection devices, for Iran’s defense sector.
Officials said the operation relied on fake websites designed to mimic legitimate American companies, used intermediaries in Dubai to receive shipments, and then smuggled the technology into Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Highlighting the significance of the action, the State Department said, “Today’s action highlights the U.S. government’s efforts to protect the security of the U.S. people, businesses, and proprietary technologies.”
The department further emphasized that “the United States will continue to impose maximum pressure against the Iranian regime to severely constrict its ability to advance its destabilizing activities.”
The statement also referenced a related announcement by the Rewards for Justice program, which is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated branches.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump indicated that a peace agreement with Iran may be within reach, while maintaining that military action remains an option if negotiations fail.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, “We are making a great deal; otherwise, we’ll just go back and finish it off militarily. We’re close to a very good deal, and if we can make it good, otherwise we just start up with the Department of War.”
Discussing Iran, Trump reiterated his position on the country’s military capabilities and added, “We’ve essentially defeated their military. I would rather get a deal because we can open the strait immediately upon signing. The one guarantee that I have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They’ve agreed to that.”
Trump described the negotiations as challenging and told Fox News, “We’re getting what we want slowly. Very tough negotiators. It takes a long time. I’m in no hurry. If you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal.”
He also reiterated that the United States is prepared to pursue alternative measures if negotiations fail to achieve the desired outcome. (ANI)
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