Background on the Sanctioned Parties
The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on several companies, an individual, and a ship for their involvement in acquiring and transporting machinery for Iran’s defense industry amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Who is Zhang Yanbang?
Zhang Yanbang is a Chinese national who served as the captain of the sanctioned ship, ‘Shun Kai Xing’. He is one of the individuals targeted by the US sanctions.
Who are Unico Shipping, Futech Co Limited, Dongguan Zanyin, and Athena Shipping?
These are companies based in Hong Kong, China, and China respectively. They have been sanctioned for transporting machinery to Towse Sanaye Nim Resanaye Tarashe, an Iranian entity listed by the US as supporting Iran’s military programs.
Who are V-Shipping and Shenzhen Xinxin Shipping Co?
V-Shipping, based in Singapore, and Shenzhen Xinxin Shipping Co, based in China, have also been sanctioned for coordinating and facilitating the transport of restricted materials to Iran.
Who is disa Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi?
This Turkish company has been sanctioned for allegedly concealing cargo under false shipping documents, as detailed by the US Treasury.
Reasons for the Sanctions
According to US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, “The United States remains steadfast in obstructing any attempt by Iran to acquire dual-use technology, components, and machinery that support the regime’s ballistic missile programs, unmanned aerial vehicle initiatives, and asymmetric weapons development.”
Details of the Sanctioned Entities and Individuals
- Unico Shipping: A Hong Kong-based company sanctioned for owning the ‘Shun Kai Xing’ ship, which allegedly transported machinery to Towse Sanaye Nim Resanaye Tarashe.
- Futech Co Limited: A Chinese company sanctioned for supplying equipment to Towse Sanaye Nim Resanaye Tarashe.
- Dongguan Zanyin: A Chinese company involved in the transport operations of restricted materials to Iran.
- Athena Shipping: A Hong Kong-based company operating the sanctioned ship.
- V-Shipping: A Singapore-based company responsible for chartering the vessel and coordinating cargo shipments.
- Shenzhen Xinxin Shipping Co: A Chinese company sanctioned for similar reasons as V-Shipping.
- Zhang Yanbang: The Chinese captain of the sanctioned ship accused of concealing cargo through false shipping documents.
- disa Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi: A Turkish company sanctioned for allegedly misrepresenting cargo details.
Impact of the Sanctions
These sanctions aim to disrupt Iran’s acquisition of dual-use technology, components, and machinery that could bolster its ballistic missile programs, unmanned aerial vehicle initiatives, and asymmetric weapons development. By targeting various entities involved in the transport and supply chain, the US seeks to impede Iran’s military capabilities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who imposed the sanctions? The United States Department of the Treasury.
- Who are the sanctioned parties? The sanctioned parties include individuals, companies, and shipping operators from China, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Panama.
- What are the sanctions for? The sanctions target entities involved in supplying and transporting dual-use technology, components, and machinery that support Iran’s military programs.
- What is the goal of these sanctions? To obstruct Iran’s acquisition of technology, components, and machinery that could enhance its ballistic missile programs, unmanned aerial vehicle initiatives, and asymmetric weapons development.
