U.S. Treasury Sanctions Iranian IRGC-QF and Hizballah Financial Network

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. These sanctions are in response to their provision of critical financial support to an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hezbollah financial network. These entities have generated significant revenue, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, from the sale of Iranian commodities, including to the Syrian government. The funds derived from these commodity sales serve as a primary source of funding for the continued terrorist activities of the IRGC-QF and Hezbollah, supporting other terrorist organizations in the region.

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson emphasized the commitment to preventing the exploitation of the international trading system by the IRGC-QF and its proxy terrorist groups. The United States will continue taking action to expose and disrupt these illicit schemes.

Hizballah and IRGC-QF Financial Fronts:

1. Mira Ihracat Ithalat Petrol (Mira):

Mira, based in Turkey, engages in purchasing, transporting, and selling Iranian commodities globally. Overseen by Iran-based Hizballah finance facilitator Ali Qasir, Mira's profits from commodity sales are shared with Hizballah. Key figures like Muhammad Qasir and Muhammad Amir Alchwiki utilize Mira for commercial activities. Ibrahim Talal al-Uwayr, alias Ibrahim Agaoglu, serves as the CEO and owner, collaborating with others to direct Mira's trading activities.

Sanction Designation: Mira Ihracat Ithalat Petrol is designated under E.O. 13224 for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing support to Hizballah. Ibrahim Talal al-Uwayr is designated under the same order for owning or controlling Mira. Ali Qasir was previously designated under E.O. 13224 in September 2019 and September 2021.

2. Yara Offshore SAL:

Yara, based in Lebanon, is affiliated with Hizballah and has facilitated large sales of Iranian commodities to the Syrian regime, receiving millions in payment. Yara also conducted transactions on behalf of U.S.-designated Hizballah and IRGC-QF front company Concepto Screen S.A.L.

Sanction Designation: Yara Offshore SAL is designated under E.O. 13224 for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing support to Hizballah.

3. Hydro Company for Drilling Equipment Rental (Hydro):

Hydro, based in Lebanon, is involved in financing the IRGC-QF by facilitating the shipment of Iranian commodities worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Syria. It operates under the direction of senior IRGC-QF officers and maintains commercial ties with U.S.-designated Hizballah and IRGC-QF front company Concepto Screen S.A.L.

Sanction Designation: Hydro Company for Drilling Equipment Rental is designated under E.O. 13224 for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing support to the IRGC-QF.

Sanctions Implications:

As a result of OFAC's action, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by blocked persons are also blocked. OFAC's regulations generally prohibit transactions involving the property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons, unless authorized by a license issued by OFAC or exempt. Non-U.S. financial institutions and other entities engaging in certain transactions with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or enforcement actions. Prohibitions include making contributions or providing funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of any designated person, or receiving such contributions or provisions from any such person.