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The Trump administration has unveiled sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran’s defence supply chain and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, intensifying efforts to block the flow of sensitive military technology and illicit oil revenues fueling regional instability.
The Trump administration on Friday announced a new round of sanctions targeting entities and individuals allegedly supporting Iran’s defence sector and Yemen’s Houthi movement. The measures are part of broader efforts to disrupt Tehran’s access to sensitive military technology and the Houthis' illicit financial networks.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated eight entities, one vessel, and one individual believed to be involved in supplying advanced machinery and components used in Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs.
"The United States remains resolved to disrupt any effort by Iran to procure the sensitive, dual-use technology, components, and machinery that underpin the regime’s ballistic missile, unmanned aerial vehicle, and asymmetric weapons programs," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Among the blacklisted entities are Unico Shipping Co Ltd and Athena Shipping Co Ltd, both based in Hong Kong, allegedly involved in facilitating shipments of sensitive materials to Iran.
"Treasury will continue to degrade Iran’s ability to produce and proliferate these deadly weapons, which threaten regional stability and global security," Bessent added.
In a separate action, the Treasury also issued counterterrorism-related sanctions against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. The move targets four individuals, twelve entities, and two vessels, allegedly involved in smuggling oil and goods to finance the Houthi operations.
According to U.S. officials, the sanctioned network has been instrumental in importing illicit oil and other goods, providing critical financial and logistical support to the Houthis, who remain engaged in a prolonged conflict in Yemen.
These measures mark the latest in Washington’s strategy to exert economic pressure on Tehran and its regional proxies amid ongoing tensions across the Middle East.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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