New US sanctions target Russia-Iran military trade

WASHINGTON —  The Biden administration on Friday announced a wave of new sanctions tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine, including new measures meant to curb military-related transfers between Russia and Iran. 

The sweeping package of more than 300 sanctions targeted Russia’s financial services sector, its acquisition of critical technology and future energy extraction capabilities. The State Department also designated multiple entities it said were part of a logistics network deepening ties between Russia and Iran. 

The targets included Khazar Sea Shipping Line, an Iranian shipping company whose vessels the State Department said had made over 60 port calls in Russia in the past year. Also hit with sanctions were Iranian shipping company Nasim Bahr Kish and Grand Sea LLC, a maritime service provider in Makhachkala, Russia. 

"These designations will constrain military-related transfers between Russia and Iran as Tehran deepens its support for Moscow’s war against Ukraine," the department said in a statement.

The White House said Monday that Russia was seeking to replenish its supply of Iranian-made attack drones, including drones “capable of more lethality.” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that since August, Iran has provided Russia with more than 400 drones, most of which Moscow has expended while targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine. 

The United States says Iran’s provision of drones to Russia violates restrictions imposed under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal. 

After initially denying the shipments, Iran acknowledged in November 2022 that it had supplied Russia with drones, but said it did so before the invasion of Ukraine. Moscow denies having deployed Iranian drones in Ukraine despite extensive evidence.  

In return for its support for Russia's war effort, Iran has sought billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Moscow, Kirby reiterated on Monday, including attack helicopters, radar systems and Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft. In March, Iranian state media said Tehran had finalized a deal to buy Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets.

The sanctions Friday were coordinated with the Group of Seven major industrial countries, Australia and other partners. The new measures came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia before his expected trip to the Japanese city of Hiroshima to meet with G7 leaders.