The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of individuals and entities accused of procuring weapons and drone components for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The measures, announced by the US Treasury Department, target actors who allegedly used aviation and logistics firms in Iran, Italy, and Russia to source military hardware in violation of renewed UN restrictions.
The sanctions arrive as Iran ramps up military activity in the region.
The IRGC announced a new wave of operations targeting US military infrastructure across the Persian Gulf on Wednesday.
This escalation coincides with deepening disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where insurance costs have spiked amid heightened tensions.
The dual pressure of diplomatic sanctions and kinetic military action underscores the growing volatility in one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.