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Trump executive order to enact sanctions on arms-sellers to Iran

The measure targets Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro; the Iranian Ministry of Defense; Iran’s Defense Industries Organization and its director, Mehrdad Akhlaghi-Ketabchi.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Credit: The Kremlin.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Credit: The Kremlin.

The Trump administration issued an executive order on Monday that allows the United States to sanction anyone who sells arms to Iran in violation of the U.N. arms embargo, which was extended indefinitely as part of the reimposition of U.N. snapback sanctions on the regime that took effect on Saturday.

It authorizes the United States to enact secondary sanctions on those who trade arms with Iran. It is aimed at punishing anyone or any country that gives arms to Iran and does not allow the target of secondary sanctions to access the U.S. marketplace, the world’s largest.

The new measure targets sellers like Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro; the Iranian Ministry of Defense; Iran’s Defense Industries Organization and its director, Mehrdad Akhlaghi-Ketabchi—all for allegedly being involved in the regime’s conventional-arms program.

Also sanctioned were six individuals and three entities associated with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, in addition to three individuals and four entities associated with Iran’s liquid propellant ballistic-missile organization, the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group.

“These changes reinforce that transparency and accountability can be powerful motivators,” Shira Goodman, of the Anti-Defamation League, told JNS.
“There have been continuing conversations with Harvard about compliance concerns,” Kenneth Marcus, of the Brandeis Center, stated.
The Israeli currency’s symbolic 2.99-rate against the dollar is said to reflect shifting regional dynamics and growing confidence in the Jewish state’s economic outlook.
Negotiators are reportedly seeking compromises on Iran’s nuclear program, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages.
The proposal includes three broad aims: clearing a backlog of stranded vessels, conducting a major demining effort, and setting up ongoing naval escorts.
No injuries were reported among Israeli forces.