U.S. Targets Networks Supplying Iran’s Weapons Programs

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action today to disrupt multiple procurement networks supporting Iran’s ballistic missile, nuclear, and defense programs. These networks, operating out of Iran, Germany, Türkiye (Turkey), and Oman, have supplied materials crucial for weapons development.

Cracking Down on Complex Networks

Under Secretary Brian E. Nelson emphasized Iran’s use of “complex covert procurement networks” to fuel conflict and endanger lives. The Treasury Department aims to dismantle these networks and hold accountable any countries assisting Iran’s proliferation of drones and missiles.

Sanctions Target Key Players

Today’s actions were taken under Executive Order 13382, targeting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This builds on previous designations targeting similar networks supporting Iran’s military organizations.

Germany-Based Network:

• Maziar Karimi: A German-Iranian national, designated for procuring materials like epoxy resin for Iran’s IRGC Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO).
• Mazixon GmbH and Mazixon Verwaltungs: Companies owned by Karimi, used to facilitate procurements for the IRGC’s missile program.
• Mazaya Alardh Aldhabia LLC (MAA) and Tit Uluslararasi Nakliyat (Uluslararasi): Front companies in Oman and Türkiye used by Karimi to procure materials for Iranian defense entities.

Türkiye-Based Network:

• Gokler Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Gokler): Facilitated procurement of carbon fiber and solvents for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and subsidiaries.
• Mahmut Gok: Managing director of Gokler, personally conducted procurements for Iran.
• Skies Petroleum, DM Gold, and Klas Kimyasal: Front companies used by Gok for Iranian procurement efforts.

Iran-Based and Türkiye-Based Network:

• Rostam Shahmari Ghojeh Biklo (Shahmari) and Pishro Mobtaker Peyvand (PMP): Involved in procuring materials for Iran’s nuclear program entities, including the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA).
• Mitra Inanlu: Designated for acting on behalf of previously sanctioned Mandegar Baspar and owning Alborz Organic Materials Engineering Company, which produces materials for the composite industry.
• Hidayet Kanoglu: Procured materials for Sazeh Morakab, a company that supports Iran’s sanctioned Shahid Hemat Industrial Group (SHIG) and Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA).

Sanctions Implications

As a consequence of these designations, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities, or entities they own 50% or more of, within U.S. jurisdiction or controlled by U.S. persons, must be blocked and reported to OFAC. Engaging in transactions with these designated entities is prohibited for U.S. persons and within the United States. Additionally, sanctions may be imposed on foreign financial institutions knowingly facilitating significant transactions for the designated entities.

This action by the U.S. Treasury Department demonstrates its ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran’s weapons programs and prevent the proliferation of WMDs.