US State Dept. sanctions Iranian military activities, fuel export in Operation Economic Outcast

The US State Department imposed sanctions on Iranian military activities, cyber threats, and illicit oil trade as part of Operation Economic Outcast, targeting individuals and entities involved in attacks on US forces and fuel exports. The sanctions include two Iran-based groups and seven individuals, such as former Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Ahmad Vahidi, aiming to sever economic lifelines to the regime.

The US State Department announced sanctions targeting Iranian military activities, cyber threats, and illicit oil trade, as part of Operation Economic Outcast. The sanctions, announced by State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Monday, target entities and individuals involved in attacks on US forces and the trade of petroleum and petrochemical products. Two Iran-based groups, DadeNegar Startup Studio and the IRGC Cyber-Electronic Command, were sanctioned for using commercial Chinese satellite imagery to target US forces and bases. Seven individuals were also sanctioned, including former Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Ahmad Vahidi, and Deputy Defense Minister Seyyed Mahdi Farahi. The sanctions also target companies facilitating the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, often transported by shadow fleet operators. The move follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of an 'economic D-Day' against Iran, aiming to sever economic lifelines to the regime.