U.S. targets Iran and Houthis with new wave of sanctions

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.

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