US Sanctions Target Iranian and Venezuelan Entities Over Drone Trade

Tue Dec 30 2025 23:48:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US government has implemented sanctions on 10 individuals and companies from Iran and Venezuela, targeting their involvement in Iran's drone and ballistics programs, deemed a threat to US and regional allies.

In a move to curb Iranian military capabilities, the US imposed sanctions on several individuals and firms linked to Iran's drone trade, as well as a Venezuelan company involved in purchasing these drones. With growing concerns over Iran's nuclear program and missile development, officials underscore the need for continued pressure on Tehran and its allies.

WASHINGTON (RTW) — The United States has imposed new sanctions on ten individuals and firms from Iran and Venezuela, alleging their contributions to Iran's drone trade and ballistics program, which officials from the Trump administration claim poses a significant threat to the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced that these latest measures aim to reinforce the reimposed United Nations sanctions on Iran concerning its nuclear ambitions, further tightening the squeeze on the Islamic Republic, which has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Among those sanctioned is a Venezuelan firm and its chairman, accused of acquiring Iranian drones; three Iranian individuals linked to the procurement of chemicals for ballistic missiles; along with several Iran-based entities associated with the Rayan Fan Group, which was already sanctioned by the U.S.

In February, President Trump reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran as part of efforts to curtail its potential development of nuclear weapons. Recent actions included U.S.-led strikes against critical Iranian enrichment facilities, heightened by a series of confrontations between Israel and Iran.

Trump recently cautioned Iran against attempts to revive its nuclear program during discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world,” said John K. Hurley, Treasury’s Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the U.S. financial system.”

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott reiterated that Iran's dealings violate UN restrictions, emphasizing, “Iran’s ongoing provision of conventional weapons to Caracas is a threat to U.S. interests in our region.”