US Imposes Sanctions on 3 Individuals and 11 Companies Over Support for Iran

The United States has imposed sanctions on several companies and individuals in the Middle East and China over allegations of assisting Iran during the ongoing conflict, according to reports citing the U.S. State Department.
In a statement released late Friday, the United States Department of State announced sanctions against 11 entities and three individuals from Iran, China, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures target several China-based companies accused of supplying satellite imagery to Iran for military operations against U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Rubio added that the sanctions also focus on companies and individuals involved in providing weapons to Iran and supplying materials used in the production of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The secretary of state also said Friday that the Trump Administration is expecting a response from Iran regarding a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
An Iranian official reportedly said Thursday that Tehran is reviewing messages received from Washington through Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, but no decision or formal response has yet been made.
Earlier this week, media outlets including Axios reported that both countries were close to reaching a 14-point memorandum of understanding designed to end the war and restart discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Confusion remains over whether the ceasefire between Iran and the United States is still fully in effect, as military forces from both countries have continued exchanging attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump insisted Thursday that the ceasefire remains active, describing the recent exchanges as “just a light touch.”
Trump also claimed that Iranian officials are highly interested in reaching a deal.
On Friday, Rubio expressed concern over reports that Iran has established, or is attempting to establish, an organization to control navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He described such a move as “unacceptable.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Ongoing disruptions in the narrow waterway have heightened fears of a global energy crisis.
The International Energy Agency has reportedly described the situation as “the greatest energy security threat in history.”