Sanctions Target Companies in Iran and Venezuela
West Palm Beach, Florida — The U.S. government announced on Tuesday that it has imposed sanctions on 10 companies and individuals from Venezuela and Iran due to their involvement in the trade of ballistic missile and drone technology. This action is part of a broader strategy to apply maximum pressure on both nations.
This announcement follows President Trump’s warning of “very powerful consequences” for Iran if it attempts to revive its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
The Treasury Department specifically targeted Empresa Aeronautica Nacional SA, based in Venezuela, along with its chairman, Jose Jesus Urdeanta Gonzalez, for allegedly trading combat drones with Iran.
Additionally, three Iranian entities were sanctioned for attempting to acquire chemicals necessary for ballistic missiles, including ammonium perchlorate, which is used in drone propellants.
The sanctions also extend to two organizations and three individuals linked to a holding company that manufactures components and software for Iran’s drone and missile initiatives.
This marks the third round of nonproliferation sanctions against Iran since the United Nations Security Council reinstated nuclear sanctions at the end of September. These restrictions had previously been lifted under a 2015 nuclear agreement during the Obama administration.
Last month alone, dozens of firms and individuals supporting Iran’s missile manufacturing were sanctioned across Asia and the Middle East. In total, 32 entities from countries including the UAE, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine faced penalties during this round.
The U.S. has intensified its military presence in the southern Caribbean while also sanctioning family members associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
President Trump confirmed that U.S. forces targeted a dock in Venezuela believed to be used for drug trafficking—a significant escalation as it represents one of the first known land attacks against Venezuela.
The individuals affected by these sanctions will be barred from accessing any property or financial assets within U.S. jurisdiction. These measures aim to prevent American businesses from engaging with them; financial institutions that disregard these restrictions may face additional penalties.
“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive proliferation of deadly weapons,” stated John Hurley, Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “We will continue swift actions to cut off those who support Iran’s military-industrial complex from our financial system.”
