Washington, DC [US], April 2 (ANI): The United States has imposed sanctions on six entities and two individuals from Iran, the UAE, and China for their involvement in procuring key components for Iran’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and ballistic missile programs.
In a statement, the US State Department emphasized that the action is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran’s military-industrial complex.
“The United States will use all available means to expose and disrupt Iran’s growing UAV and missile development programs and weapons proliferation, which destabilize the Middle East and beyond,” the statement read.
The US also highlighted Iran’s use of arms sales proceeds to strengthen its military-industrial base, building missiles and UAVs that are exported to Russia, terrorist proxy groups in the Middle East, and other actors of concern.
Targeting Weapons Proliferation
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their supporters.
Additionally, the US Department of Treasury stated that it would continue to counter Iran’s use of third-party nations to conceal its procurement of sensitive technology.
US Visa Restrictions on Chinese Officials Over Tibet
In a related move, the US also announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials for restricting access to Tibetan areas for US diplomats, journalists, and international observers.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited China’s long-standing refusal to allow access to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) while Chinese diplomats and journalists enjoy unrestricted access to the US.
“For far too long, the CCP has refused to afford US diplomats, journalists, and other international observers access to Tibet, while Chinese diplomats and journalists enjoy broad access in the United States,” Rubio stated.
The visa restrictions were imposed under the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 in response to China’s curbs on foreign access to Tibet.
These sanctions and restrictions mark an escalation in US efforts to counter Iran’s military expansion and China’s restrictive policies, reinforcing Washington’s stance on regional stability and human rights. (ANI)
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