On April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designation of five entities and one individual based in Iran for their role in supporting Iran’s nuclear program. These sanctions target entities that contribute to critical operations of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) and its subsidiary, the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA). The designation emphasizes U.S. policy aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2.

The entities and individual sanctioned by the Treasury Department play significant roles in the procurement and manufacturing of technologies crucial to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This move reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to disrupt Iran’s nuclear activities and the broader destabilizing actions associated with its government. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent remarked, “The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security.”

This decision is an extension of sanctions imposed under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. AEOI and its affiliates have been repeatedly targeted by U.S. authorities due to their direct involvement in Iran’s uranium enrichment program. This includes entities like TESA, which plays a pivotal role in the production of centrifuges for Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Key Entities Supporting Iran’s Nuclear Program

The Treasury Department’s sanctions list includes a variety of Iranian entities that are either directly involved with AEOI or support its operations in key ways.

TESA: A Key Player in Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Efforts

The Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA) is one of the most critical entities involved in Iran’s nuclear development. TESA produces centrifuges used for uranium enrichment, a key component of Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle. Centrifuges are essential for enriching uranium, which can then be used in nuclear reactors or, depending on the level of enrichment, as a material for nuclear weapons.

TESA has been a focus of U.S. sanctions for years, with its designation dating back to 2011. The recent actions reinforce the U.S. stance on curbing Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. TESA works closely with a number of other Iranian entities, including the Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company (AIT), which facilitates the procurement of components from international suppliers, helping TESA expand its centrifuge production capacity.

Support from Atbin Ista and Pegah Aluminum

Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company (AIT) and Pegah Aluminum Arak Company (Pegah) have also been designated due to their support for TESA. AIT plays a vital role in sourcing components for TESA’s centrifuge production, while Pegah manufactures essential aluminum products used in these operations. The U.S. sanctions are aimed at severing the supply chains that fuel Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities.

The designation of these companies highlights the interconnected nature of Iran’s nuclear program, which relies on both domestic and international suppliers. The U.S. aims to make it increasingly difficult for Iran to procure the necessary materials and technology to advance its nuclear ambitions.

The Role of Iranian National Majid Mosallat

Majid Mosallat, an Iranian national, has been named as an individual linked to the support of Iran’s nuclear activities. Mosallat is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of AIT, overseeing the procurement and shipment of items to TESA. By imposing sanctions on Mosallat, the U.S. seeks to disrupt the financial networks that support Iran’s nuclear program and ensure that individuals directly aiding in the program’s advancement are held accountable.

AEOI and its Affiliated Companies

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is at the center of Iran’s nuclear program. AEOI is responsible for managing the country’s nuclear research and development efforts, including its uranium enrichment and experimental laser enrichment programs. In recent years, AEOI has expanded its scope by forming new companies to support its nuclear initiatives, further complicating the landscape for global nonproliferation efforts.

Thorium Power Company: Iran’s Move Towards Alternative Nuclear Fuel

One of the newer entities controlled by AEOI is the Thorium Power Company (TPC), which was formed in July 2023 to develop thorium-fueled reactor technologies. The use of thorium as a nuclear fuel could potentially alter the landscape of Iran’s nuclear ambitions by providing an alternative to uranium-based reactors. Thorium can be used to breed uranium-233, a fissile material suitable for nuclear reactors or weapons.

By targeting TPC, the U.S. aims to disrupt AEOI’s efforts to explore new avenues for nuclear development and further isolate Iran from international cooperation in the nuclear sector.

Satra Pars and Azarab Industries: Key Players in Nuclear Infrastructure

AEOI has also used subordinate companies like Satra Pars and Azarab Industries to manage various aspects of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Satra Pars is responsible for the construction and development of nuclear reactors, while Azarab Industries focuses on producing equipment for nuclear power plants. Both companies are controlled by AEOI and have been included in the Treasury Department’s sanctions due to their direct involvement in Iran’s nuclear program.

Sanctioning these entities disrupts Iran’s ability to advance its nuclear infrastructure, which is crucial for the development of its nuclear weapons program.

Implications of U.S. Sanctions on Iran’s Nuclear Program

The imposition of these sanctions carries significant implications for both U.S. and international entities. According to the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated persons that are within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. U.S. sanctions also prohibit transactions involving these designated individuals and entities unless authorized by a specific license issued by OFAC.

Additionally, the sanctions extend to any companies that are 50 percent or more owned or controlled by a designated entity. This further isolates the sanctioned companies from the global financial system, reducing their ability to operate in international markets.

For foreign companies and individuals, the sanctions present a risk of exposure to penalties for engaging in prohibited transactions with the designated parties. Financial institutions, in particular, must be vigilant about the entities they do business with to avoid running afoul of U.S. sanctions.

The Treasury Department’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide detailed information about compliance with these sanctions and the potential consequences of violating U.S. economic sanctions.

The Broader Impact of Sanctions on Global Security

The U.S. sanctions against Iran’s nuclear enablers are part of a broader strategy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to curb its destabilizing activities in the Middle East and beyond. By targeting key entities involved in Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S. seeks to apply pressure on the Iranian government and limit its ability to advance its nuclear capabilities.

These sanctions also send a strong message to international businesses and governments that the U.S. is committed to enforcing nonproliferation goals and will not tolerate support for Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As the U.S. continues to impose these measures, it is likely that Iran will face increasing isolation from the international community.

Conclusion: Continued Vigilance in Global Nonproliferation Efforts

The recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department represent a significant escalation in the ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. By targeting key entities like TESA, AIT, and Pegah, as well as individuals such as Majid Mosallat, the U.S. aims to disrupt Iran’s nuclear supply chains and limit its ability to advance its nuclear program.

These actions underscore the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation among the international community to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure global security. The sanctions also serve as a reminder that efforts to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction must remain a top priority for all nations.

Related Links

• OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines
• Executive Order 13382: Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
• U.S. Department of State’s Sanctions Policy
• Iran’s Nuclear Program: A Timeline
• The Role of U.S. Sanctions in Global Security

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Source: US Treasury