The United States has recently imposed sanctions on various entities, including Hamas-affiliated financial exchanges in Gaza, an Iraqi airline, and supporters of Iranian-linked militias in Iraq. These organizations have been accused of working with the IRGC-QF, an elite Iranian military and intelligence unit.
The US Treasury has announced the enactment of sanctions on financial networks in Gaza that are affiliated with Hamas.
These networks, along with certain financial facilitators, have been involved in the transfer of funds, including cryptocurrency, from the Quds Force to Hamas. It is worth noting that Hamas was responsible for the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another Palestinian militant group, also received funds through these channels.
According to Reuters, the US government aims to take action against various groups supported by Iran, which have been responsible for attacks on Israeli, US, and other interests in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
The Treasury has announced the imposition of sanctions on Iraq's Fly Baghdad airline and its chief executive. This action comes as a result of their alleged support for the Quds Force and its proxy groups in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Additionally, three leaders and supporters of Kataeb Hezbollah, a prominent Iran-linked militia in Iraq, were sanctioned.Fly Baghdad strongly criticized the sanctions, arguing that they lack any substantial or ethical justification.
"The decision appears to have been made on the basis of information that Fly Baghdad claims is misleading and unreal, and which they argue cannot withstand legal scrutiny," stated Fly Baghdad in a press release. According to the US Treasury, the airlines have been accused of aiding in the transportation of funds, weapons, and fighters associated with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
Due to the coordinated efforts of multiple countries, including Britain and Australia, the United States has frozen the assets of those individuals who have been designated.
Typically, US regulations prohibit US individuals or companies from engaging in transactions involving the property of designated individuals. The Treasury has warned that individuals who engage in transactions with sanctioned entities may face potential sanctions or other forms of enforcement action.
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US-Iran Tension
Due to the sanctions, any property or interests in the US owned by those who have been sanctioned are now frozen, and Americans are generally not allowed to engage in financial transactions with these individuals and entities. Penalties may be imposed on foreign entities or individuals if they violate the sanctions, potentially impacting their ability to operate in the United States.
Amid heightened military activity in the Middle East, it seems that both the US and Iran are determined to steer clear of an all-out war, as evidenced by the recent imposition of sanctions.
As Israel continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Forces are also engaged in clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon and working to manage the situation in the West Bank. These challenges include dealing with terrorist threats and addressing attacks by far-right Israeli settlers against Palestinians, as per The Hill.
Meanwhile, the United States is responding to assaults by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria targeting American forces and allies. Additionally, they are taking action against the Houthis in Yemen, who are aligned with Iran, due to their attacks on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
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