The United States on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on individuals and companies accused of supporting Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups, as Washington steps up efforts to cut Tehran off from sources of revenue.
The measures were announced under the Treasury Department's “Operation Economic Outcast," launched on August 24 with the stated goal of disrupting money used by Iran to finance the war, develop missiles, carry out cyberattacks and support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted entities and individuals in Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey that Washington said provided support to Kataib Hezbollah and Hezbollah.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Shiite paramilitary organization operating under the IRGC's command, was responsible for abducting Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held captive for two and a half years before being released last year following US pressure and assistance from Iraqi security services.
In a separate action, Treasury reached a settlement with a US citizen who agreed to pay $1.43 million over potential civil liability stemming from 39 apparent violations of US sanctions on Iran. The department also appealed to whistleblowers for information concerning Iranian sanctions evasion and money laundering.
OFAC simultaneously announced a tougher policy on Iran-related licenses, saying most requests would be rejected except under exceptional circumstances. Its licensing division has already begun denying "the vast majority" of outstanding requests for specific Iran-related licenses.
"OFAC will maintain this licensing policy until Iran changes its behavior, including obstructing the Strait of Hormuz, attacking US personnel and partners in the Gulf, and pursuing nuclear and conventional weapons," Treasury said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions are aimed at individuals and networks that continue supporting Tehran.
“Operation Economic Outcast is targeting those who continue to stand with the failing Iranian regime," Bessent said in a statement. “Whether they finance terror, launder money, or help Iran evade sanctions, we will find them, cut them off from the US financial system, and dismantle the networks keeping the regime afloat."