Chinese-based firms Chengdu Best New Materials Co and Zibo Elim Trade Co, and Russian-based firms Nilco Group and Joint Stock Company Elecon, have been accused of supporting malign activities by transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran’s missile program.

“These determinations underscore the continuing need for all countries to remain vigilant to efforts by Iran to advance its missile program,” Secretary Pompeo said.

“We will continue to work to impede Iran’s missile development efforts and use our sanctions authorities to spotlight the foreign suppliers, such as these entities in the PRC and Russia, that provide missile-related materials and technology to Iran.”

The sanctions, which will be in effect for two years, include restrictions on US government procurement, US government assistance, and exports.

“The imposition of sanctions against these foreign entities is consistent with our efforts to use all available measures to prevent Iran from advancing its missile capabilities,” Secretary Pompeo added.

These sanctions are in addition o those directly imposed on the Iranian regime, and follow sanctions on cyber actors in September — accused of perpetrating cyber attacks on at least 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as hundreds of individuals and entities in 30 additional countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

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[Related: US sanctions Iranian state-sponsored cyber actors] 

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.