Washington, D.C. | May 14, 2025 — In a fresh move to counter Iran’s growing missile capabilities, the United States government has announced sanctions against several entities and individuals, primarily based in China and Hong Kong, for providing critical support to Iran’s ballistic missile program.

The sanctions, announced by U.S. Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, target individuals and companies aiding Iran’s efforts to develop indigenous carbon fiber technology — a key component in the production of long-range missiles. This material is essential to Iran’s ballistic missile development, and its acquisition marks a significant advancement in Iran’s weapons manufacturing capabilities.

According to the statement, these sanctioned individuals and entities are facilitating the supply of carbon fiber, its precursors, and manufacturing equipment to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly the Aerospace Force Research and Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF RSSJO) and the Research and Self Sufficiency Jehad Organization (IRGC RSSJO) — both already sanctioned by the U.S.

The United States emphasized China’s role in enabling Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East, with officials accusing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and associated firms of providing the economic and technological lifeline that sustains Tehran’s regional aggression.

“This is another example of how the CCP and China-based companies provide key economic and technical support to Iran and its proxies, driving regional instability and threatening U.S. partners and allies,” Bruce stated.

The sanctions fall under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters. It aligns with the broader U.S. policy articulated in National Security Presidential Memorandum-2, which was instituted during President Donald Trump’s administration and remains active. This policy employs a strategy of “maximum pressure” aimed at curtailing Iran’s missile ambitions and disrupting the funding and material support to terrorist organizations aligned with the IRGC.

The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging all tools available — including sanctions against third-country entities — to block Iran’s attempts at acquiring materials critical to its weapons programs. Officials warn that Iran’s advancements not only threaten the Middle East but also global security.

Etamagazine will continue to monitor developments as the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s missile program unfold.