US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has revealed that the White House is considering an expansion of sanctions targeting materials that serve the interests of the IRGC.
As tensions between the White House and the Islamic Republic continue to increase, the “maximum pressure” campaign remains in full force. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Thursday that the Trump administration is now reviewing a significant expansion of sanctions towards Iran.
These new sanctions are related to 22 different materials that serve the interests of the regime; more specifically, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The White House designated the IRGC as a terror organization in early 2019. Some of the materials that made this new list include different metals, graphite, and aluminum powder with a high purity level. Aluminum powder is highly-valued when it comes to the process of launching missiles.
As part of his statement, Pompeo issued a warning for those who knowingly transfer any of these 22 materials to Iran:
“Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and military programs pose a grave threat to international peace and security. To address these threats, I am announcing a major expansion of the scope of State Department-administered Iran metals-related sanctions. Today, the State Department is identifying 22 specific materials used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military, or ballistic missile programs. Those who knowingly transfer such materials to Iran are now sanctionable pursuant to Section 1245 of the Iranian Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act.”
Read the full statement and list of materials for further review.
