US sanctions 10 international entities over allegedly procuring weapons for Iran's Defense Ministry

The sanctions, part of Operation Economic Outcast, include entities based in China, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.

The United States has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities, including some based in China, Hong Kong and Pakistan, for helping Iran's Defense Ministry procure weapons and components, the US Treasury Department said Tuesday.

The sanctions are part of a broader push by the Trump administration to isolate Iran economically and force it to negotiate an end to the US-Iran war that began in February.

“Under Operation Economic Outcast, Treasury will continue to target and disrupt those who provide material, technological, or financial support that allows the Iranian regime to sustain its terrorist enterprise,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

“Treasury will not tolerate any support to the regime and will continue to identify, expose, and isolate Iran’s enablers.”

The US Treasury said the sanctions were aimed at degrading Tehran's ability to reconstitute its weapons programs, while increasing the costs for those who supported its procurement efforts.

Iraqi Airways to resume Iran flights in October after securing US exemption

Iraqi Airways is preparing to resume flights to Iran in October, Iraq's transport ministry said Tuesday, after suspending flights amid US sanctions restricting services to Iranian airlines.

The ministry said Iraq had secured a special exemption allowing Iraqi Airways to operate services to Iran.

Iraq halted flights to and from Iran on Friday in line with US sanctions, and the government had sought exemptions for travel related to pilgrimage, medical treatment and education.

The transport ministry said services next month would initially operate from the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf once regulatory and technical requirements were completed.

A source in the Iraqi transport ministry said the US Treasury Department provided the exemption, and it would run for one month. The source said the number of allowed flights has not yet been determined.