The Trump administration has sanctioned 10 individuals and companies over alleged ties to the Iranian military, the US Treasury announced on Tuesday.
The sanctioned entities include representatives and technology firms based in China, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, accused of procuring weapons and parts for Iran's military. Three of the sanctioned entities were located in Iran itself.
"Today's action further degrades the Iranian regime's ability to reconstitute its weapons programs and increases the costs for those who choose to aid Tehran's military procurement efforts," the US Treasury said.
The sanctions were carried out under Operation Economic Outcast, a Treasury Department initiative aimed at restricting Iran's access to global markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the operation in August, with the stated goal of pressuring Tehran into agreeing to a deal to end its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
Iran has been at war with the US and Israel since February 28, following a series of attacks targeting Tehran's leadership and military. Critics have argued the conflict has no clear end in sight, despite claims of victory from both sides.
President Donald Trump described the operation as "economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale" and warned that any country trading with Iran would face "tremendous" consequences.
Among those targeted in Tuesday's announcement were Hong Kong-based EC Mojo Technology Co Ltd and one of its representatives, Li Fen. The Treasury alleged that EC Mojo had "provided electronic components" to the Iranian military, while Li "attempted to evade sanctions and export controls."
Saudi-based Cavalier Dynamics for Technologies Company was also designated. The Treasury said the action against that firm was taken "in coordination with Saudi government partners."
All entities included in Tuesday's sanctions were allegedly involved in procuring "weapons and weapons components for Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), the entity responsible for weapons research, production and acquisition for Iran's armed forces."
China remains one of Iran's largest trading partners, and the Trump administration has faced scrutiny over how forcefully it would confront Beijing over its economic ties with Tehran. Bessent previously defended a decision to delay certain sanctions, stating: "We're giving everyone the opportunity to remedy bad behaviour. Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?"
Trump recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for his first state visit in more than a decade, after which Trump cited progress in trade talks between the two countries. Despite the warming diplomatic ties, several Chinese firms were among those sanctioned on Tuesday.
Operation Economic Outcast has also targeted Iranian economic sectors not directly linked to the military. Recent sanctions on the civilian airline sector have left some passengers stranded after Iranian airlines and international carriers cancelled flights to and from Iran.
Experts have questioned how effective the intensified sanctions campaign will ultimately prove. Iran has faced heavy US sanctions for years, though on Tuesday its currency fell to a record low amid war-related pressures.
