By Pishtaz | 2026-01-21

The US government has stepped up efforts to halt the spread of Iranian military technology, focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missile capabilities.

These programs are viewed as serious threats to US and allied forces, regional stability, and global commerce.

On December 30, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned ten individuals and entities.

The sanctions targeted parties in Iran and Venezuela linked to transferring combat drones and other weapons systems, reflecting US non-proliferation efforts.

These programs "threaten US and allied personnel in the Middle East and destabilize commercial shipping in the Red Sea," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.

Disrupting proliferation networks

The Venezuelan company EANSA is accused of helping Iran sell and assemble Iranian Mohajer series UAVs, rebadged locally as ANSU drones for Venezuela’s armed forces.

Equipped for surveillance and combat, these drones reflect a growing military link between Tehran and Caracas.

"[The] Treasury is holding Iran and Venezuela accountable for their aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons around the world," he said.

"We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex access to the US financial system."

Beyond the UAV trade with Venezuela, the sanctions target networks that procure components for missile production and other asymmetric capabilities.

Since late 2025, OFAC has sanctioned dozens of individuals and entities worldwide involved in Iran’s missile and UAV supply chains to limit access to sensitive technology.

Strategic and diplomatic implications

These measures are part of a broader US strategy to protect national security and uphold defense priorities.

National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 directs federal agencies to limit Iran’s missile program, counter asymmetric threats, and block the IRGC from accessing resources for destabilizing activities.

Iran’s cooperation with Venezuela demonstrates a broader pattern of rogue state alliances, complicating diplomacy and extending adversarial influence beyond the Middle East.

By disrupting these partnerships, the US seeks to strengthen regional security and encourage allied collaboration in counter-proliferation efforts.

However, Iranian leadership maintains that missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles are vital for defense.

"Iran must have missiles; without them, we would be defenseless. We must stand for Iran's dignity," said Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohammad-Jafar Ghaempanah,

His remarks indicate Tehran prioritizes military development over domestic economic needs, a policy critics say worsens hardships for ordinary Iranians and fuels further sanctions.