The United States has announced fresh sanctions targeting 18 individuals and entities accused of helping Iran bypass existing financial restrictions and generate revenue. The U.S. Treasury Department said the move is part of a broader effort to disrupt what it described as “a complex network” facilitating Iran’s access to funds for its weapons programs.
In a statement released Thursday, the department named several key targets, including RUNC Exchange System Company, Cyrus Offshore Bank, and Pasargad Arian Information and Communication Technology. These organizations, according to the U.S., played major roles in helping Iran evade sanctions and move money through international channels.
“Treasury will continue to disrupt Iran’s schemes aimed at evading our sanctions, block its access to revenue, and starve its weapons programs of capital in order to protect the American people,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
New Sanctions
The new sanctions arrive at a time of growing tension between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. officials warning of continued Iranian efforts to undermine international restrictions. The individuals named in the sanctions are accused of coordinating transactions through front companies and offshore accounts to mask the origin of funds.
While the Treasury’s announcement did not detail the amount of money moved through the alleged network, it noted that the operation had a “global footprint” and involved digital and traditional financial systems.
Observers say the sanctions could further isolate Iran’s financial system, especially as it attempts to attract investment from allied nations. The move may also have ripple effects on companies indirectly linked to the named entities.
The sanctions go into effect immediately, with U.S. assets of the targeted individuals and organizations frozen. American citizens and businesses are also banned from engaging in transactions with them.
Bottom Line
The latest move by the U.S. signals a renewed push to tighten financial pressure on Iran. By targeting firms like RUNC Exchange and Cyrus Offshore Bank, Washington hopes to choke off revenue streams it says are fueling Tehran’s weapons ambitions. As the U.S. continues to monitor and respond to alleged evasion tactics, these sanctions reflect a clear message: financial networks linked to Iran’s government will face swift consequences.
