Geithner told a briefing that the sanctions target IRGC support for
Iran's missile and nuclear programs. One of the targets was identified as
the Post Bank of Iran, said to facilitate the transfer of funds to suppliers
of Iran's weapons of mass destruction programs.
Under the decision, the United States targeted the IRGC Air Force as
well as Missile Command. Treasury said both units played a key role in the
"operational deployment of Iran's ballistic missile capability."
"The IRGC has been outspoken in its willingness to facilitate the
proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of carrying WMD," Treasury said.
"The IRGC has broad links to Iran's ballistic missile programs and is one of
the primary regime organizations tied to developing and testing the Shihab-3
missile."
IRGC leaders were also designated for sanctions. Treasury identified
them as IRGC commander Gen. Mohammed Al Jafari and Basij commander Mohammed
Reza Naqdi.
Iranian Defense Minister Ahmed Vahidi as well as the Naval Defense
Missile Industry Group were also sanctioned. The industry group, controlled
by the Defense Ministry, was believed to develop and produce cruise missiles
for the navy.
"We know that officials in Iran have been anxious about this new round
of sanctions," Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey said.
Treasury also imposed sanctions on the state-owned Islamic Republic of
Iran Shipping Lines. The sanctions targeted five fronts of IRISL as well as
identified 27 new vessels used by the company under different names.
"Since being designated, IRISL has increasingly relied upon a series of
front companies and has engaged in deceptive behavior — such as falsifying
shipping documents and renaming ships — to assist it in overcoming the
impact of sanctions and increased scrutiny of its behavior," Treasury said.
"IRISL has also been involved in Iranian attempts to transfer arms-related
material. Iran is prohibited from exporting arms and related material by
UNSCR 1747."
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