U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Lebanese, Turkish Entities for Aiding Iranian ‘Terror’ Networks

In a move to counter the funding of terrorism, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on three entities and one individual in Lebanon and Turkey.

“Today’s action underscores our resolve to prevent the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and its proxy terrorist groups from exploiting the international trading system to fund their destabilizing activities,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States will continue to take action to expose and disrupt these illicit schemes.” 

These sanctions target those providing crucial financial support to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah's financial network.

The designated entities include Türkiye-based Mira Ihracat Ithalat Petrol (Mira), which engages in global trade of Iranian commodities overseen by Hizballah finance facilitator Ali Qasir. The profits from Mira's sales are shared with Hizballah, and key figures like Ibrahim Talal al-Uwayr, CEO of Mira, are now under sanctions.

Lebanon-based Yara Offshore SAL and Hydro Company for Drilling Equipment Rental are also targeted for facilitating large sales of Iranian commodities to the Syrian regime, providing financial assistance to Hizballah and IRGC-QF. Yara is additionally involved in transactions benefiting U.S.-designated Hizballah and IRGC-QF front company Concepto Screen S.A.L.

The sanctions involve blocking all property and interests in property of the designated persons within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons. Any entities owned 50 percent or more by blocked persons are also subject to these restrictions. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the property of designated individuals.

Furthermore, non-U.S. financial institutions and individuals involved in transactions with sanctioned entities may face sanctions or enforcement actions. The imposed prohibitions extend to making contributions or providing funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of designated persons.