US imposes restrictions on firms backing Iran, Pakistan weapons programs

The United States added more than two dozen entities to its trade blacklist on Monday, citing alleged involvement in weapons and drone development programs in Iran and Pakistan, and for aiding Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

The US Commerce Department said the 26 targets, primarily based in Pakistan, China, and the UAE, had violated export controls, supported "weapons programs of concern," or attempted to evade US sanctions on Russia and Iran.

These entities have now been placed on the "entity list," restricting their access to US technologies and products without government approval.

“We are vigilant in defending US national security from bad actors,” said Alan Estevez, undersecretary of commerce for industry and security. “Our actions today send a message to malicious actors that if they violate our controls, they will pay a price.”

Nine entities in Pakistan were accused of acting as front companies for the blacklisted Advanced Engineering Research Organization, which has allegedly been involved in procuring US-origin items for Pakistan’s cruise missile and drone programs.

Six entities in China were added to the list for allegedly aiding China’s military modernization and supporting Iran’s weapons and drone programs. Three entities in the UAE and one in Egypt were blacklisted for attempting to acquire US components to bypass sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.