The United States has imposed sanctions on over a dozen entities, eight individuals and vessels that have facilitated illicit trade and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transfer on behalf of the Iranian military. "The United States is today imposing sanctions on 16 entities and eight individuals, as well as identifying as blocked property five vessels and one aircraft, that have facilitated illicit trade and the sale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of Iran`s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and the regime`s UAV development and procurement," the US State Department said in a release.

Moreover, the UK and Canada are imposing sanctions targeting several entities and individuals involved in Iran`s UAV procurement and other military-related activities, respectively. Sahara Thunder has been identified as the key front company for MODAFL`s illicit financing and a central player in Iran`s design, development, manufacture, and sale of thousands of UAVs. Many of these designs and UAVs have ultimately been transferred to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. "The United States will continue to hold Iran accountable for its transfer of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to Russia and to regional proxies," the statement added.