US Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Venezuela and Iran Over Drone and Missile Trade

The United States has imposed new sanctions on ten individuals and companies from Iran and Venezuela, accusing them of aiding Iran’s ballistic missile programme and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trade. US officials said the measures target networks that help Tehran develop and transfer advanced weapons systems.

According to the US Treasury Department, the sanctions are intended to intensify economic pressure on Iran and reinforce recently reimposed United Nations restrictions linked to Tehran’s nuclear activities. The US continues to reject Iran’s assertion that its nuclear programme is purely peaceful.

Among those sanctioned is a Venezuelan company and its chairman, who US officials allege were involved in the purchase of Iranian-made drones. The list also includes three Iranian nationals accused of attempting to procure chemical materials used in the production of ballistic missiles.

Several Iran-based individuals and firms connected to the Rayan Fan Group—a holding company previously sanctioned by Washington—were also named. The Treasury Department said these entities play a key role in sustaining Iran’s military-industrial capabilities, particularly in missile components and drone manufacturing.

US Steps Up Pressure on Venezuela’s Shipping and Oil Sector

The latest sanctions come amid a broader escalation of US pressure on Venezuela. Washington has already targeted six vessels and three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing them of transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of sanctions.

The Trump administration has also implemented what it describes as an oil blockade aimed at disrupting shipments into and out of Venezuela, with the stated goal of cutting off revenue streams that the US claims support illicit activities.

In a further sign of escalation, US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out their first ground strike inside Venezuela, targeting a port facility allegedly used to load boats involved in drug trafficking.

Trump Revives “Maximum Pressure” Campaign Against Iran

President Trump reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran in February, seeking to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The strategy combines sweeping economic sanctions with the threat of military action.

During the summer, following a week of open hostilities between Iran and Israel, the US carried out strikes on three key Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. The conflict was triggered by an Israeli attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, sharply raising regional tensions.

Trump warned earlier this week that the US could take further military action if Iran attempts to revive its nuclear programme.

“Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world,” said John K. Hurley, the Treasury Department’s Undersecretary for terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “We will continue to act swiftly to deny those supporting Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the US financial system.”

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Iran continues to violate international restrictions, adding that Tehran’s supply of conventional weapons to Caracas poses a direct threat to US interests in the region.