‘Reckless Proliferation': US Sanctions 10 Linked To Iran And Venezuela Drone, Missile Trade

Last Updated:December 31, 2025, 09:12 IST

The action comes as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Iran over its nuclear and weapons programmes.

The sanctions come as President Donald Trump revives a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The United States has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies from Iran and Venezuela, accusing them of supporting Iran’s drone trade and ballistic missile programme, moves the Trump administration says threaten US interests and its allies in the Middle East.

Those sanctioned on Tuesday include a Venezuelan company and its chairman, accused of purchasing Iranian-made drones, as well as three Iranian nationals linked to efforts to procure chemicals used in ballistic missile production. The list also includes several Iran-based individuals and companies connected to Rayan Fan Group, a holding firm that had been sanctioned earlier by Washington.

“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world," said John K. Hurley, Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department. He said Washington would continue to move swiftly to block access to the US financial system for those supporting Iran’s military-industrial complex.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Iran remains in violation of UN restrictions, adding that Tehran’s supply of conventional weapons to Venezuela poses a threat to US interests in the region.

The US Treasury Department said the measures are meant to reinforce reimposed United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, tightening pressure on Tehran. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

The action comes amid a renewed “maximum pressure" campaign launched by US President Donald Trump in February, aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The campaign has included US-led strikes on three key Iranian uranium enrichment facilities this summer, following a brief but intense period of direct conflict between Israel and Iran triggered by Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Earlier this week, Trump warned that the US could carry out additional military strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear programme. The comments came during talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

News world ‘Reckless Proliferation': US Sanctions 10 Linked To Iran And Venezuela Drone, Missile Trade

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