More Iran UAV Sanctions

The US Treasury is targeting four entities associated with OFAC-designated Rayan Roshd Afzar Company (RRA) that have procured critical parts for Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program.

Additionally, OFAC is targeting an Iranian executive of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), a subsidiary of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics that oversees UAV manufacturers Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company and Qods Aviation Industries.

The action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. 

The U.S. Department of State designated the IRGC and MODAFL pursuant to E.O. 13382 on October 25, 2007 in connection with Iran’s ballistic missile program.

RRA chairman of the board of directors Mohsen Parsajam oversees all commercial dealings in which RFKA is engaged, while RRA representative Farshad Hakemzadeh has provided services related to dual-use electronic components to U.S.-designated Iran Electronics Industries (IEI).

Kish Mechatronics Co has also imported dual-use electronic and electro-optical equipment into Iran for the benefit of Iran’s defense industries.

Iran-based Fanavarihaye Hava Pishran Sazeh Sepehr Co LLC (HPSS) and Mersad Mohajer Co LLC are subsidiaries of RFKA, with RFKA holding the majority of the firms’ shares. HPSS has attempted to evade sanctions and procure electro-optical components for Iran.

HEAD OF IAIO

IAIO, which has also previously been sanctioned by the European Union, is the parent company of HESA and QAI, OFAC-designated manufacturers of Iran’s Mohajer, Ababil, and Shahed UAVs. Iran-based Afshin Khajeh Fard is the chief of IAIO. In this role, Khajeh Fard oversees IAIO’s efforts to produce UAVs and missiles, and he has touted Iran’s innovation with respect to its UAV program and its reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.