U.S. Sanctions 18 Entities Helping Iran Evade Economic Restrictions

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 18 entities and individuals linked to networks aiding Iran in evading U.S. sanctions and generating revenue [1]. These entities operate in both the financial and technological sectors, providing critical support to Iran’s efforts to maintain access to financial resources and sustain its strategic objectives [2]. Among the sanctioned companies are RUNC Exchange System Company, Cyrus Offshore Bank, and Pasargad Arian Information and Communication Technology, all of which are accused of facilitating Iran’s circumvention of economic restrictions [1]. The Treasury emphasized that these actions are part of a broader strategy to isolate the Iranian regime and prevent it from financing its military and proliferation activities [3].

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent underscored the significance of these measures, stating that the department will continue to disrupt Iran's schemes aimed at evading sanctions, block its access to revenue, and starve its weapons programs of capital in order to protect U.S. national security [1]. The sanctions not only freeze assets but also restrict these entities from accessing U.S. financial systems and limit their ability to conduct transactions with U.S.-connected parties [2]. The Treasury described the move as a critical step in enforcing international norms and deterring Iran’s proliferation-related activities [3].

The sanctioned list includes individuals and firms involved in surveillance technology, raising concerns about their role in supporting the Iranian regime’s domestic control and repression [4]. According to the Treasury, these entities contribute to Iran’s ability to maintain a repressive environment both domestically and in the broader region [4]. The U.S. government’s focus on financial networks aligns with its broader strategy to isolate the Iranian regime economically and limit its strategic capabilities [2]. This action builds upon previous U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, ballistic missile programs, and regional influence [3].

By targeting financial intermediaries and digital platforms, the Treasury aims to complicate Iran’s ability to generate revenue through unconventional channels [2]. The U.S. has consistently sought to curb Iran’s access to hard currency and technological resources, leveraging economic tools as a means of countering state-sponsored aggression and proliferation [1]. The Treasury has also called on international partners to support and enforce the sanctions, emphasizing that collective action is essential in addressing the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities [2].

The broader global market has also reacted to new U.S. tariff measures, with oil prices declining as concerns about economic slowdowns and reduced oil demand have emerged [1]. These developments are occurring alongside diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to global markets [2]. However, the impact of the sanctions on Iran’s economy and its strategic capabilities may take time to manifest fully [3]. Nevertheless, the move sends a clear signal of the U.S. administration’s intent to limit Iran’s financial autonomy and strategic reach [1].

Source:

[1] [Treasury Targets Iranian Network Evading Sanctions and ...](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0220)

[2] [US issues new Iran sanctions targeting financial networks](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-issues-new-iran-sanctions-targeting-financial-networks/3653516)

[3] [US Issues New Iran-Related Sanctions, Treasury Says](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-08-07/us-issues-new-iran-related-sanctions-treasury-says)

[4] [Trump admin imposes sanctions on Iranian 'oppression' ...](https://www.jns.org/trump-admin-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-oppression-network/)