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US Treasury Sanctions Iran-Linked Weapons Procurement, Shipping Networks

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The US Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned seven individuals and entities linked to a global network that procured weapons for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following Iran's attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control alleged that the network relied on foreign aviation and transport companies, financial intermediaries and travel coordinators to hide the IRGC's role in weapons procurement and logistics.

"Treasury will continue to target and disrupt the illicit procurement networks that fund Iran's weapons programs and war machine," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The Treasury identified Behrouz Namazi, head of Tehran-based Nika Jet, as a procurement agent for the IRGC. It also sanctioned Nigeria-based Vanguard Tactical Supply and Milan-based Dounia Ettaib for assisting Namazi.

In a separate action on Tuesday, the US Treasury sanctioned over 50 individuals, entities and vessels tied to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping network as it intensified pressure on Iran's oil exports and sanctions evasion efforts.

OFAC said the network supports Iran's oil exports through shipping, commodities trading and financial channels. Treasury has now sanctioned over 200 individuals, entities and vessels linked to Shamkhani.

"The Iranian regime survives on deception, and the Shamkhani network is one of its most profitable engines," Bessent said.

The sanctions build on actions announced in July 2025 and April 2026. Treasury imposed the measures under Executive Order 13902 as part of its campaign to curb Iran's oil sales.

Treasury identified Hossein Ghorbani Zahed and Mohammad Reza Rahbar Madani as key financiers who supplied foreign currency, exchange house services and offshore shell companies to support the network's sanctioned trade.

The action also targeted Ali Rakhbarmadani, who managed shipping operations, along with Martin Austin Kaalund, Alessandra Ronco and Asghar Aghili Dehkordi for supporting Shamkhani-linked businesses.

The action also targeted Indian nationals Jijin George and Gautam Vishavdeep, Iranian national Behzad Moghadas, British national Maksim Tsernosjov, and UAE-based Dezera Shipping and Glavos Shipping under Executive Order 13902.

Treasury also designated Dubai-based Al Kina Commercial Broker, Evorit Strategy Consulting, Golden Nest and BSG Management for operating on behalf of or being owned by sanctioned members of the Shamkhani network.

The Treasury also designated Singapore-based Sea Lead Shipping, Dubai-based Sea Lead Shipping DMCC, Marshall Islands-based Sea Lead Shipping Marshall Islands, India-based Sea Lead Shipping Agency India and Dubai-based Volta Shipping Services.

It said the companies supported the Shamkhani network's global shipping operations and cargo movements.

The action also targeted Dubai-based We Freight Shipping. Treasury said the company, together with affiliates in the United Arab Emirates, India and Thailand, provided transportation and logistics services that supported the Shamkhani network's container shipping operations.

The sanctions freeze all US-based property and interests of designated individuals and entities, while extending restrictions to companies owned 50% or more by blocked persons.

The Treasury said US persons generally cannot conduct transactions with sanctioned parties, and violations may result in civil or criminal penalties.

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