US Treasury Sanctions Nearly 60 Iran-Linked Entities Under Operation Economic Outcast

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on nearly 60 Iran-linked entities and vessels in a move aimed at tightening economic pressure on Tehran. The action, dubbed 'Operation Economic Outcast', marks a significant escalation of Washington's strategy against Iran.

The sanctions package targets networks tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), with 24 individuals, 48 entities, and 6 vessels included in the list. The move is seen as a response to Iran's attempts to evade existing restrictions.

The Treasury also went after an MOIS-directed cyber group that allegedly hacked US infrastructure and generated around $16.8 million in illicit proceeds. Ivan Obukhov, a UAE-based individual accused of facilitating Iranian military oil shipments, was identified among the targets, with allegations that he processed over $100 million in cryptocurrency payments since 2023.

The sanctions expand on previous rounds focused primarily on oil revenue and weapons procurement, targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. The Treasury has warned third countries and entities to wind down any Iran-related activities by stated deadlines or face unilateral US action.