OFAC sanctions Procurement Networks for Iranian Military Programs

The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week sanctioned various people and companies that are part of procurement networks in Iran, Turkey, Oman and Germany that have supported Iran’s ballistic missile, nuclear and defense programs. OFAC said the networks have helped ship carbon fiber, epoxy resins and other “missile-applicable goods” for Iran’s military and other entities in the country’s defense industrial base.

The designations target Germany-based dual Iranian-German national Maziar Karimi, who uses a “complex web of intermediaries and front companies” to send epoxy resin and other items to Iran, including Germany-based Mazixon GmbH and Co KG. OFAC also sanctioned Turkey-based Mahmut Gok, the managing director of Turkey-based company Gokler Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, which has shipped carbon fiber and solvents, as well as Rostam Shahmari Ghojeh Biklo, the managing director of procurement company Pishro Mobtaker Peyvand.

Other people and firms sanctioned either help manufacture or procure sensitive items for Iran’s military. Brian Nelson, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the U.S. “will continue to use our tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those countries that would help proliferate Iran’s drones and missiles.”