Asserting that the latest round of sanctions against Iranian entities and individuals would help combat Tehran's "malign" activities, the US today said that it will continue to counter Iran's support for terrorism, its ballistic missile programme and other destabilising activities.
"These types of designations are critical to combating Iran's malign activities that are outside the scope of the Joint Comprehension Plan of Action, or JCPOA. We will continue to counter Iran's support for terrorism, its ballistic missile program and other destabilizing activities, including through our sanctions," a Senior Administration Official told reporters during a conference call.
Earlier the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department designated 25 individuals and entities for their support to Iran's ballistic missile program or for their support to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, and providing material support to various terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas.
The US designated three networks totaling 17 individuals and entities for their support to Iran's ballistic missile program, including to the previously designated Aerospace Industries Organisation and Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, which are central players in Iran's ballistic missile research, development and production activities, the official said.
"Iran's continued ballistic missile development and support for terrorism are very provocative and undermine security, prosperity and stability throughout the region. These designations today are our response to Iran's ongoing ballistic missile program, including its ballistic missile test on January 29, as well as its continued support for terrorism," Senior Administration Official said.
"We have taken these actions today after careful consideration and we will continue to respond with appropriate action, including through designating entities and individuals facilitating procurement for Iran's ballistic missile program. Iran's ballistic missile program continues to be a grave concern to the international community," the official said.
The January 29 ballistic missile test launch is inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolution and underscores the importance of continued international action to curtail such activity, the official alleged.
The United States is committed to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution, which calls upon Iran not to undertake any launches of ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering a nuclear weapon and which expressly prohibits the transfer of missile technology control regime items and related support by any country to Iran's ballistic missile program, the official added.
"Additionally, in the past six months, Houthi forces trained and armed by Iran have attacked Emirate and Saudi vessels and have threatened US and allied vessels transiting the Red Sea and they continue to threaten U.S. Friends and allies in the region," the official said.
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