US Sanctions Target Iranian and Venezuelan Firms Over Drone and Missile Trade

Tue Dec 30 2025 21:56:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The United States imposes sanctions on ten individuals and firms linked to Iran and Venezuela, citing their role in Iran's drone and ballistic missile programs as a threat to national security.

In a move to curb Iran's military capabilities, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on ten entities and individuals associated with Iran's drone trade and missile programs. This action is part of broader efforts to enforce United Nations sanctions related to Iran's nuclear activities. The sanctions specifically target a Venezuelan firm accused of procuring Iranian drones and several Iranian nationals involved in ballistic missile supply chains. The situation escalates amid heightened tensions in the region, with U.S. officials expressing concerns over Iran's military dealings with Venezuela.

WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — The U.S. government has enacted sanctions against ten individuals and companies in Iran and Venezuela, asserting their involvement in Iran's drone and ballistic missile programs, which threaten American interests and allies in the Middle East.

The latest sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department aim to reinforce the United Nations' sanctions on Iran concerning its nuclear program, tightening the economic and operational pressure on Tehran. Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes.

This round of sanctions targets a Venezuelan firm alongside its chairman, charged with acquiring Iranian drones. It also includes three Iranian individuals linked to the procurement of chemicals required for ballistic missile production, and several additional entities in Iran connected to the Rayan Fan Group, which has previously faced U.S. sanctions.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at halting Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which included military interventions against key Iranian infrastructure following rising conflicts between Israel and Iran.

This week, Trump cautioned Iran against attempts to revitalize its nuclear program during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, emphasizing that the U.S. would respond decisively if Iran proceeded in this direction.

John K. Hurley, Treasury's Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, “Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world. We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the U.S. financial system.”

Furthermore, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott underscored Iran's ongoing violations of UN restrictions, asserting that its provision of conventional weapons to Venezuela poses a direct threat to U.S. interests in the region.