U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Global Network Supporting Iran's Missile and Drone Programs

U.S. Targets Iran's Missile and UAV Procurement Networks

The United States, through its Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), announced sanctions on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, against 32 individuals and entities operating across eight countries. These designations target extensive procurement networks accused of supporting Iran's ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production capabilities. The action is part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran's military advancements and enforce international sanctions.

The sanctioned networks span Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine. According to U.S. officials, these entities have played a crucial role in helping Iran rebuild military capabilities that were reportedly damaged during a June 2025 conflict between Iran and Israel, referred to as the '12-Day War'.

Key Procurement Networks Identified

The Treasury Department specifically highlighted several key networks facilitating Iran's weapons programs. One such network, known as the 'MVM partnership,' was sanctioned for coordinating the procurement of hundreds of metric tons of ballistic missile propellant ingredients from China. These ingredients, including sodium chlorate, sodium perchlorate, and sebacic acid, were destined for Iran's Parchin Chemical Industries (PCI) and its parent organization, the Defense Industries Organization (DIO). Key figures in this partnership include Marco Klinge, a UAE-based German national, and Iranian nationals Majid Dolatkhah and Vahid Qayumi, who operate out of Iran and Turkey.

Additionally, sanctions targeted networks supporting Iranian companies involved in producing engines for UAVs, such as the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones. Iran's Kimia Part Sivan Company (KIPAS) and its subsidiaries were designated for manufacturing and repairing UAV components in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force. Four Iranian employees, including Seyyed Ali Abtahi, were sanctioned for overseeing parts production and procurement. A China-based financier, Ma Jie, and associated firms in Hong Kong and Turkey were also sanctioned for assisting Iran's Mado company, a producer of Shahed drone engines. Furthermore, a network linked to Iran's Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company was accused of using shell firms in Ukraine to acquire aircraft sensors and navigation equipment.

Context and Broader Implications

This round of sanctions marks the second major U.S. action since the September 27, 2025, reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran. The U.S. asserts that these UN sanctions were reinstated due to Iran's 'significant non-performance' of its nuclear commitments. The U.S. State Department emphasized that the action aligns with President Donald Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran, aimed at countering Iran's aggressive development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons.

U.S. officials stated that these procurement networks pose a direct threat to U.S. and allied personnel in the Middle East and to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The timing of these sanctions also coincides with recent developments in the Red Sea crisis, including an announced suspension of maritime attacks by the Houthis.

Impact and Future Stance

As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of the sanctioned individuals and entities that are within the United States or under U.S. control are blocked. Financial institutions and other entities engaging in certain transactions with these designated persons may also face secondary sanctions. John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, 'Across the globe, Iran exploits financial systems to launder funds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies.' The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to using all available means, including sanctions on entities in third countries, to expose, disrupt, and counter Iran's procurement efforts for its ballistic missile and UAV programs.