On April 25, 2024, both the United Kingdom and the United States announced significant sanctions against individuals and entities involved in Iran’s drone and missile industry, targeting those facilitating illicit trade and sale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In the UK, sanctions have been imposed on individuals and companies associated with Iran’s drone and missile industry.
Seyed Mohsen Vahabzadeh Moghadam and Abbas Abdi Asjerd, directors of Iranian companies involved in drone production, will face a UK travel ban and asset freeze.
They are known to have ties to Abdollah Mehrabi, head of an aerospace force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who was previously sanctioned for supplying drones to Russia in 2022. Furthermore, four Iranian companies – Bonyan Danesh Shargh, Pishro Sanat Aseman Sharif Company, Alvand Motorbuilding Industries Company, and Moj Gostar Aseman Parvaz Company – will have their assets frozen in the UK.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized the necessity of these sanctions, stating, “The Iranian regime’s dangerous attack on Israel risked thousands of civilian casualties and wider escalation in the region. Today, the UK and our partners send a clear message – those responsible for Iran’s destabilizing behavior will be held accountable.”
These sanctions are part of a coordinated effort with the US and Canada, in response to Iran’s recent missile and drone attack on Israel.
G7 foreign ministers, including Lord Cameron, have warned of joint action to curb Iran’s influence in the Middle East. The UK has already imposed over 400 sanctions on Iran, including on the entire IRGC.
Future plans include expanding trade sanctions by prohibiting the export of component parts used in drone and missile production to Iran, aiming to limit Iran’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, the United States is imposing sanctions on 16 entities and eight individuals involved in facilitating illicit trade and sale of UAVs, in support of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and the regime’s UAV development and procurement. Additionally, five vessels and one aircraft are identified as blocked property.
Among the entities targeted by the US is Sahara Thunder, a significant front company for MODAFL’s illicit financing.
It plays a central role in Iran’s design, development, manufacture, and sale of thousands of UAVs. Many of these UAVs have been transferred to Russia, contributing to its military actions, including in the conflict with Ukraine.
The United States remains committed to holding Iran accountable for its transfer of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to Russia and regional proxies.
These sanctions underscore the international community’s efforts to curb Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.
