U.S. Imposes Sanctions on 18 Entities for Aiding Iran in Evading Financial Restrictions

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against 18 entities accused of assisting Iran in circumventing international sanctions and generating revenue. Targeted companies include RUNC Exchange System Company, Cyrus Offshore Bank, and Pasargad Arian Information and Communication Technology, all allegedly facilitating Iran's economic operations despite restrictions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent underscored the broader strategy to disrupt Iran's financial networks, emphasizing the goal of cutting off funding for military programs. "Treasury will continue to disrupt Iran’s schemes aimed at evading our sanctions, block its access to revenue, and starve its weapons programs of capital in order to protect the American people," he stated.

The sanctions focus on key players in Iran's financial infrastructure, with RUNC Exchange and Cyrus Offshore Bank highlighted as primary targets for enabling illicit money transfers and bypassing U.S. regulations.