- Among those designated for sanctions was the Shahid Karimi group, which works on missile and explosive-related projects for the SPND, and four associated individuals
- The move freezes any US聽assets of those targeted and bans US聽dealings with them
WASHINGTON: The United States said on Friday it was imposing sanctions on 14 people and 17 entities connected to Iran鈥檚 Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), a body it said had played a central role in Iran鈥檚 past nuclear weapons effort.
Among those designated for sanctions was the Shahid Karimi group, which works on missile and explosive-related projects for the SPND, and four associated individuals, the US Treasury Department said in a Statement.
鈥淭he US government is taking decisive action against actors at all levels in connection with Iran鈥檚 Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) who have supported the Iranian regime鈥檚 defense sector,鈥� Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.
鈥淭he United States will continue applying maximum pressure to the Iranian regime, using all economic tools to prevent Iran from developing weapons of mass destruction. Anyone considering dealing with the Iranian defense industry in general, and SPND in particular, risks professional, personal, and financial isolation.鈥�
It said the steps targeted current SPND subordinate groups, supporters, front companies, and associated officials. The move freezes any US assets of those targeted and bans US dealings with them.
"Today鈥檚 action serves as a warning to individuals and entities considering dealing with the Iranian regime鈥檚 defense sector in general, and SPND in particular: by engaging in sanctionable activity with designated Iranian persons, you risk professional, personal, and financial isolation," the Treasury statement said.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Thursday that Tehran was determined to boost its defense capabilities despite mounting pressure from the United States and its allies to curb its ballistic missile program.