US Slaps New Sanctions on Network Accused of Arming Iran’s IRGC

On Wednesday, the United States imposed a new set of sanctions targeting seven individuals and companies operating in Iran, Russia, Italy, and Nigeria. These parties are accused of assisting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in acquiring weapons.

The sanctions come in the aftermath of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz and aim to disrupt the procurement and financial channels believed to support Iran’s weapons programs.

Details of the Sanctions

A statement from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control confirmed that the sanctions are a response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The focus is on those involved in an international network facilitating weapons acquisition for the IRGC.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described this action as a continuation of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to deprive Iran of the means to advance its military capabilities. He reiterated the administration’s stance that Iran must cease its nuclear pursuits and affirmed the Treasury Department’s ongoing commitment to targeting illicit funding networks underpinning Iran’s weapons systems and military apparatus.

The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13382.

Sanctioned Individuals and Entities

The sanctioned parties are based across four countries:

  • Iran: Behrouz Namazi, who oversees the Tehran-based Nika Jet Company, was identified for procuring weapons on behalf of the IRGC. His company was sanctioned alongside him for allegedly acting on his commands.
  • Russia: Three targets were designated: Mariya Vladimirovna Selina, a procurement agent and head of finance at Moscow’s Avratek OOO, cited for supporting the IRGC’s procurement efforts; Avratek itself, sanctioned for backing Namazi’s activities; and Vadim Anatolyevich Druzhbin, affiliated with Avratek, accused of coordinating travel and shipments to Iran.
  • Nigeria: Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited was named as an intermediary in weapon procurement deals.
  • Italy: Dounia Ettaib was identified for involvement in procurement activities linked to Namazi.

Impact and Enforcement

These sanctions immediately freeze any assets of the designated parties within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and companies from conducting business with them.

Additionally, foreign financial institutions that continue to engage with these sanctioned entities risk secondary sanctions from the U.S.

Context of the Sanctions

This latest measure builds on previous sanctions issued earlier in 2026, which targeted similar networks associated with the IRGC and Iran’s Centre for Innovation and Technology Cooperation.

These actions underscore a sustained U.S. effort to curtail Iran’s access to weapons procurement and funding channels.

Key Takeaways

  • The U.S. sanctioned seven individuals and companies across four countries linked to weapon procurement for Iran’s IRGC.
  • Sanctions target networks facilitating Iran’s acquisition of weapons following attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Assets of designated parties are frozen in the U.S., and U.S. entities are barred from doing business with them.
  • Foreign institutions engaging with sanctioned entities risk secondary sanctions.
  • Sanctions continue a broader U.S. strategy to limit Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear ambitions.