US Treasury Department Blacklists Network Supporting Iran’s Quds Force
The U.S. Treasury Department recently announced new sanctions. These actions target a broad international network. This network allegedly helps finance Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). The Treasury stated the network provided critical support to the Quds Force’s operations.
The IRGC-QF is a branch of Iran’s military. It is responsible for foreign operations. The U.S. has long designated it as a terrorist organization. This new move aims to disrupt its financial capabilities.
Key Individuals and Entities Targeted
The Treasury Department named several individuals and entities. These included key facilitators and companies across multiple countries. The network reportedly transferred hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds were used to support the Quds Force.
Among those sanctioned is Behnam Shahriyari. He is accused of leading the illicit financial network. Another key figure is Iranian General Hassan Dehghan. He allegedly oversees various front companies. These companies reportedly moved funds for the Quds Force. These transactions often involved selling Iranian oil and petrochemicals.
Companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also identified. These firms are accused of facilitating the transfers. They allegedly obscured the origin and destination of the funds. This allowed the Quds Force to bypass international sanctions.
Alleged Activities and Impact
The sanctioned network reportedly used a complex system. They converted Iranian currency into foreign currencies. This included U.S. dollars. This process generated funds for the Quds Force. The money then supported various proxy groups.
These proxy groups operate in regions like the Middle East. They include Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups in Syria. The U.S. government claims these groups destabilize the region. They also threaten American allies.
The Treasury Department emphasized the severity of these actions. It stated the Quds Force uses these funds for terrorism. This includes financing weapons and training. Such activities pose a significant threat to global security.
U.S. Policy and Future Outlook
Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson issued a statement. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to countering Iran’s destabilizing actions. The sanctions aim to block the Quds Force’s access to funds. They also seek to hold accountable those who support it.
These new sanctions freeze any assets of the designated individuals and entities. These assets must be within U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. persons are also generally prohibited from doing business with them. This is a common practice in U.S. sanctions policy.
The U.S. government continues to warn financial institutions worldwide. They must be vigilant against illicit financial flows from Iran. These institutions risk facing U.S. sanctions if they facilitate such activities. The recent actions highlight the ongoing efforts to pressure Iran. The goal is to curb its nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
