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June 27, 2023
This month’s newsletter features an analysis of recent trends in U.S. and EU sanctions against Iran. Whereas in the past these sanctions have focused heavily on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, over the past two years the focus has shifted dramatically toward targeting human rights violators and drone-related entities.
The newsletter also includes profiles of several China-based entities supplying components to an Iranian manufacturer of military aircraft and drones, as well as news about a British government investigation into drone-related academic collaboration between UK-based and Iran-based researchers, a drone factory that Iran is allegedly helping to establish in Russia, and a new Iranian ballistic missile. Additions to the Iran Watch library include drone- and missile-related sanctions announcements, other sanctions actions related to the repression of dissidents, and the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports on Iran’s nuclear program.
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A chart showing the breakdown of EU and U.S. designations against Iran since January 2021. Credit: Wisconsin Project |
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In the past, U.S. and European sanctions against Iran have focused heavily on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. But over the last two years, that focus appears to have shifted. Since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in 2021, nearly half of all sanctions designations by the United States and the European Union against Iran have targeted human rights violators. At the same time, drone-related sanctions have largely supplanted those on Iran’s missile and nuclear program. This may reflect an absence of good targets, with most entities involved in Iran’s nuclear and missile work already subject to sanctions, whereas the drone industry represents relatively fertile ground for new designations. |
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In March 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned a China-based network supplying Iran’s military with aerospace components and supporting its drone program. |
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Two buildings in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where the White House claims Iran is helping Russia establish a drone production facility. (Credit: White House) |
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June 21, 2023: The United Kingdom launched an investigation into allegations that researchers at British universities have contributed to research that could aid Iran's military drone program. The investigation followed a report by the Jewish Chronicle that scientists at universities including Imperial College London and Cranfield University, which has a partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, worked with Iranian counterparts to publish studies on drone engine performance and aircraft control systems. At least one of the studies, published in 2019, was supported by Iran's Ministry of Science. |
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June 9, 2023: U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Iran is helping Russia build a drone factory in the Yelabuga region east of Moscow, and that the facility could be operational by early 2024. The White House released a satellite image of the factory's probable location. Kirby also said that Iran continues to supply Russia with complete drones via a shipping route across the Caspian Sea. |
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June 6, 2023: Iran unveiled a new ballistic missile, called "Fattah," which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) characterized as a hypersonic missile. The missile's separating warhead has a solid fueled motor and can conduct terminal maneuvers. The commander of Iran's missile force claimed the missile can reach speeds of Mach 13 and has a maximum range of 1,400 km. |
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The United States and its partners announced additional efforts to counter Iran’s military programs and support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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The European Union adopted its eleventh sanctions package related to the war in Ukraine. Entities targeted by the new measure include four companies involved in making Iranian drones and transporting them to Russia - June 23.
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The United States issued an advisory alert to industry that explains Iran’s drone program, key products that enable it, and guidance on how to comply with U.S. export restrictions - June 9.
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In two separate announcements, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned a network of China-based entities supplying Iran’s ballistic missile program and a Chinese procurement agent supplying both North Korea and Iran - June 6 and 15.
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Iranian entities for human rights abuses and attempted acts of terrorism.
Iran took modest steps to resolve outstanding nuclear safeguards issues with the IAEA, thereby avoiding punitive action by the Agency’s board of governors at its quarterly meeting.
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Iran Watch is a website published by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control. The Wisconsin Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that conducts research, advocacy, and public education aimed at inhibiting strategic trade from contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Copyright © 2023 - Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control
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