The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday levied sanctions against ten individuals and entities with ties to Iran and Venezuela, alleging a clandestine weapons trade focused on unmanned aerial vehicles. The move, detailed by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets control [[2]], marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to disrupt the growing military cooperation between the two nations [[1]]. These sanctions aim to halt the flow of Iranian-made drone technology to Venezuela and impede the Maduro regime’s ability to acquire advanced weaponry, a concern voiced by U.S. officials as potentially destabilizing to the region [[3]].
The United States on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran and Venezuela, alleging the illicit trade of drones between the two nations. The move signals a continued effort by Washington to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid ongoing geopolitical concerns in the region.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting ten individuals and organizations linked to the purchase of Iranian-designed drones and attempts to procure chemicals used in the production of ballistic missiles. This action comes as the U.S. seeks to curb the flow of sensitive technology and materials that could destabilize the region.
Drone Assembly and Sales Allegations
Among those sanctioned is Empresa Aeronáutica Nacional (EANSA), a Venezuelan company, and its president, José Jesús Urdaneta. According to U.S. officials, EANSA is responsible for the maintenance and oversight of assembling Mohajer drones in Venezuela. These drones are manufactured by Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), an Iranian state-owned defense company, with whom EANSA has reportedly maintained business ties since 2006.
The U.S. alleges that EANSA has also facilitated the sale of Mohajer-6 series drones – unmanned aerial vehicles with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities – to Venezuela, with transactions valued at “millions of dollars.” The Mohajer-6 is a combat drone produced by QAI.
Impact on U.S. Interests
The new sanctions block all U.S. assets of those targeted and prohibit any transactions involving them by U.S. citizens. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the U.S.’s commitment to countering perceived threats in its sphere of influence.
“The continued provision of conventional arms from Iran to Caracas is a threat to U.S. interests in our region,” stated Thomas Piggot, a Department of State spokesperson. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and efforts to address regional security concerns.
vt (efe, afp)
