In a move to curb Iran's ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, the U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions on 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel. The sanctions, freezing assets held in the U.S. and prohibiting dealings with the designated parties, target those allegedly supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) in the production and proliferation of missiles and UAVs.

Treasury Undersecretary Brian Nelson emphasized that Iran's persistent proliferation of destructive UAVs contributes to conflicts globally. These measures signal the United States' commitment to restricting Iran's missile program following the expiration of UN Security Council sanctions on October 18. The UN sanctions, part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, were subject to a sunset clause, and their expiration has renewed concerns about Iran's missile activities.

Russia declared on October 17 that, post-sanctions, Security Council approval for transferring missile technology to Iran would no longer be necessary. However, Russia did not clarify its stance on supporting Tehran's missile development.

In response to the UN restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities ending, the U.S. State Department published a joint statement on October 18. Signed by 45 countries, the statement commits to countering Iranian missile-related activities through the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), aiming to prevent the shipment of weapons of mass destruction.

The joint statement emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, identifying Iran's missile program as a significant challenge to international nonproliferation efforts.

This U.S. effort to curb Iran's missile and drone programs coincides with renewed criticism of Tehran for its support of Hamas. Although U.S. officials have not presented evidence connecting Iran to the recent attacks by Hamas, they argue that Tehran's longstanding support for the group makes it complicit. Hamas, responsible for a deadly rampage in southern Israel on October 7, is designated a terrorist organization by both the EU and the United States.

The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and ongoing challenges surrounding Iran's activities in the region.