(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, July 18 (KUNA) -- The Trump administration sanctioned 18 Iranian entities Tuesday for supporting Iran's ballistic missile program or Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC), one day after saying it was complying with the nuclear deal.
Specifically, the State Department designated two entities for involvement in activities that have contributed to weapons of mass destruction.
The Treasury designated seven entities and five individuals for "engaging in activities in support of Iran's military procurement or the IRGC, as well as an Iran-based transnational criminal organization and three associated persons," according to the State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert.
Two Iranian businessmen and their associated entities were also targeted after orchestrating "the theft of US and western software programs which, at times, were sold to the Government of Iran." "These sanctions target procurement of advanced military hardware, such as fast attack boats and unmanned aerial vehicles, and send a strong signal that the United States cannot and will not tolerate Iran's provocative and destabilizing behavior," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement.
The Trump administration is continuing to conduct a full review of its policy to Iran.
During this review the US will continue to "aggressively counter Iran's malign activities in the region," said Nauert. "Iran's malign activities across the Middle East which undermine regional stability, security, and prosperity." Nauert highlighted Iran's support of "terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad," "steadfast support for the Assad regime," and support of Houthi rebels in Yemen. (end) ak.sd
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