US Sanctions Chinese Companies Aiding Iran's Ballistic Missile Program

The US Treasury Department has announced a wave of sanctions against certain Chinese and Iranian companies and individuals to stymie Iran’s ballistic missile development programs. 

According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Iran’s ballistic missile programs contravene international law, undermine international safety, and destabilize the Middle East. 

“Iran’s aggressive development of missiles and other weapons capabilities imperils the safety of the United States and our partners,” said Secretary Bessent. “It also destabilizes the Middle East, and violates the global agreements intended to prevent the proliferation of these technologies.”

The sanctions apply to a series of Chinese companies found to be selling Iranian ballistic missile development firms the chemicals necessary, such as dioctyl sebacate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium chlorate, to develop ballistic missiles. 

Among the Chinese companies sanctioned are Dongying Weiaien Chemical Co Ltd, China Chlorate Tech Co Limited (CCT), and the Yanling Chuanxing Chemical Plant.

Since President Donald Trump took office, the US has been pursuing a “maximum pressure campaign” against Iran to counter its destabilizing activity. 

Iran’s ballistic and nuclear missile development programs have been in the crosshairs of the US and its allies. 

Iran Watch, an organization devoted to exposing Iran’s weapons development programs, recently reported Iran is dangerously close to obtaining nuclear weapons. 

Iran Watch claimed Iran has “accomplished over 90% of the work needed to bring natural uranium to weapon-grade.”

Recently, the Trump administration warned Iran that it must terminate all of its nuclear weapons development programs or face severe consequences.  

Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran should acquiesce to the US or they will suffer economic and military retaliation. 

"I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious," stated Trump. 

Recently, Trump went as far as threatening Iran with “bombing” if their nuclear development programs continue. 

Such bombing could be imminent, as the US military is reinforcing its firepower in the Middle East by relocating more Naval strike groups to the area.