WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on May 29 imposed fresh sanctions on an Iranian procurement network accused of defrauding US companies to obtain restricted technology for Tehran’s military, in a move that came just hours after a high-level White House meeting on a possible interim deal with Iran ended without a public decision.
The Treasury Department said the network used fake identities and front companies in the United Arab Emirates and Europe to acquire sensitive US-origin technology, including encryption and network security equipment, for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (file photo)
Washington framed the measures as part of its Economic Fury campaign aimed at tightening pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Iran of using “brazen efforts” to deceive American firms and said the administration would continue using “all available authorities” to isolate the Iranian government financially.
The timing of the sanctions is notable. The measures were announced shortly after a White House Situation Room meeting where President Donald Trump and senior aides reportedly discussed whether to approve an interim arrangement with Iran that could extend a cease-fire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Hours after Trump said he was entering the meeting to make a “final determination,” no official decision had been announced.
The new sanctions targeted several Iranian nationals and companies, including Sorena Hushmand Samaneh Company, accused of impersonating US businesses to illegally procure restricted goods. Treasury also designated entities in Dubai allegedly used to reroute shipments to Iran.
Brett Erickson, a sanctions expert at Obsidian Risk Advisors, told RFE/RL the move appeared aimed as much at domestic political messaging as at increasing pressure on Tehran.
“These sanctions feel less like economic warfare and more like reputation management,” Erickson said.
“Their greatest value may not be the pressure they place on Tehran, but the cover they provide Washington. They allow the administration to try to look tough on Iran at a moment when many see the broader direction of travel pointing the other way,” added.
The sanctions freeze any US-based assets linked to the designated individuals and entities and expose foreign financial institutions dealing with them to possible secondary sanctions.
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