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UK Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Iran-Linked Networks Over Illicit Finance, Security Threats

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The UK government is implementing a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and organizations linked to Iranian state-backed hostile activity, it said in a statement on Monday.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures are aimed at groups and individuals enabling destabilizing activity attributed to Iran, including the use of criminal proxies operating across Europe.

"The measures target illicit finance flows which enable the Iranian regime to pursue destabilizing action across the Middle East, including their blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - contravening international law and disrupting the global economy - and military strikes against regional and Gulf allies," according to the statement.

Officials said the sanctions respond to Iranian activity affecting global security, including financial and operational networks tied to regional instability, military activity in the Middle East, and maritime risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK also alleged that some networks were supporting threats against the US and European countries.

The package includes asset freezes, travel bans and restrictions preventing designated individuals from holding roles in UK companies or accessing financial systems.

The government said the measures are intended to cut off funding linked to hostile activity and deter attacks against dissidents abroad.

Entities sanctioned include Berelian Exchange, GCM Exchange and The Zindashti Network, all now subject to asset freezes and corporate restrictions.

Individuals sanctioned include Mansour Zarringhalam, Nasser Zarringhalam, Ekrem Abdulkerym Oztunc, Nihat Abdul Kadir Asan, Reza Hamidiravari, and Namiq Salifov, along with Fazlolah Zarringhalam, Pouria Zarringhalam and Farhad Zarringhalam.

The UK said over 550 sanctions have now been imposed on Iranian-linked individuals and entities, including prior measures against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Officials said the measures are aligned with European partners and form part of a broader strategy to counter hybrid threats and illicit finance.

The government also said diplomatic efforts continue alongside sanctions to reduce regional tensions and improve maritime security in the Middle East.

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