Overview
On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against two Iranian entities and two individuals for their involvement in procuring components critical for Iran’s military programs. These components, essential for navigational systems, support the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missile technologies used by the Iranian military and its affiliates.
The sanctions align with the broader U.S. strategy to disrupt Iran’s proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and prevent the country from supplying arms to destabilizing actors, including Russia and terrorist proxies. These actions were carried out in coordination with the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, and Justice.
Key Sanctioned Entities and Individuals
Sanat Danesh Rahpuyan Aflak Company Ltd (SDRA)
SDRA, based in Iran, specializes in the design, manufacture, and supply of advanced navigation, automation, and instrumentation systems. These systems are utilized in a variety of military applications, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, UAVs, and unmanned surface and underwater vessels.
One of SDRA’s flagship products, the SEPEHR navigation system, integrates a tactical micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, global positioning system (GPS), and inertial measurement unit (IMU). This system is particularly suited for aircraft and UAV applications. Between 2022 and 2023, SDRA provided over 1,000 SEPEHR units to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO), significantly contributing to the company’s revenue.
Mohammad Abedininajafabadi and Kaveh Merat
Mohammad Abedininajafabadi: CEO, board member, and minority shareholder of SDRA. Abedininajafabadi also oversees Illumove SA, a Switzerland-based company that represents SDRA’s interests abroad and facilitates the procurement of Western electronics and technology.
Kaveh Merat: Chief Technology Officer, chairman of the board, and minority shareholder of SDRA. Both individuals have been designated for acting on behalf of SDRA.
Illumove SA
Illumove SA, a Swiss-based entity controlled by Abedininajafabadi, plays a pivotal role in securing international technology for SDRA. This company is also subject to sanctions under the same Executive Order.
Implications of the Sanctions
Under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, the U.S. targets entities and individuals involved in the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems. As a result of these sanctions:
All U.S.-based property and interests of the sanctioned individuals and entities are blocked.
Transactions involving the sanctioned parties are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
U.S. persons and financial institutions engaging with the sanctioned entities risk exposure to secondary sanctions and enforcement actions.
These measures extend to entities directly or indirectly owned (50% or more) by blocked persons. Additionally, the sanctions prohibit contributions or services to or from designated parties.
Context and Broader Goals
The IRGC ASF SSJO plays a central role in Iran’s ballistic missile research and UAV production, including the development of the Shahed-series drones. These weapons have been used by Iran to support destabilizing activities globally. By targeting entities like SDRA and their facilitators, the U.S. aims to curb Iran’s ability to develop advanced military capabilities and disrupt its role in international arms proliferation.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized that these actions are part of a broader effort to hinder Iran’s covert acquisition of critical components and prevent the proliferation of deadly weapons to malign actors worldwide.
Source » irannewsupdate