US expands sanctions on Iran metals trade, citing ballistic missile program

Jul 31, 2020

The United States has expanded its economic sanctions on metals trade with Iran, publishing a list of 22 materials that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said could potentially be used to supply Tehran’s ballistic missile, nuclear and military programs.

On the newly released list is refined aluminum powder, a key ingredient in solid rocket fuel. In a press release Thursday, Pompeo cited the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran’s construction sector as a reason for the latest sanctions.

“The IRGC’s construction firm and many of its subsidiaries remain sanctioned by the United Nations because they were directly involved in the construction of the uranium enrichment site at Fordow,” Pompeo said in the press release.

“As a result of this IRGC determination, any knowing transfer of certain materials, including graphite or raw or semi-finished metals, to or from Iran to be used in connection with the construction sector of Iran remains sanctionable,” he said.

In June, the US Treasury targeted Iran’s largest steel manufacturer, Mobarakeh Steel Co., as well as three other firms, South Aluminum Co., Sirjan Jahan Steel Complex, and Iran Central Iron Ore.