America’s Trump administration announced sanctions on three Chinese companies on May 8. These companies are accused of providing satellite images to Iran, which were used in attacks on US military and allied targets in the Middle East. This action is said to be related to the incidents that took place during Operation ‘Epic Fury’.

The US State Department said, “Providing Iran with satellite images of US bases in the Middle East is a threat to the security of US and allied troops. Targeting US troops and allies will be responded to.”

Which companies were banned?

The scope of the sanctions includes Hangzhou-based company Meientropy Technology Company, also known as MizarVision. America alleges that this company had released open-source satellite photos, which contained information about American military activities during Operation ‘Epic Fury’. Apart from this, Beijing-based ‘The Earth Eye’ company is accused of providing satellite images directly to Iran. Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company has been accused of collecting satellite images of American and allied military bases at the request of Iran.

Allegations have already been made

America told that sanctions have already been imposed on ‘Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company’. At that time, there were allegations that the company had provided satellite images to Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen to target American military bases.

Action also taken against Iran’s defense export center

The US State Department has also imposed sanctions on ‘Mindex’, the export arm of Iran’s Defense Ministry and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry. The State Department said, “The United States will continue to take action to hold accountable China-based entities that are supporting Iran, and to ensure that Iran is unable to rebuild its sensitive military and nuclear programs after Operation ‘Epic Fury’.”

Crackdown on people associated with drone and missile programs

Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has also announced sanctions on 10 institutions and individuals. They are accused of helping Iran in providing weapons and raw materials, which were being used in drone and ballistic missile programs. The scope of these sanctions includes citizens and companies of China, Iran, Belarus and United Arab Emirates.

America warned of further action

The US Treasury Department said that Washington is committed to breaking the procurement network that supports Iran’s military programs. The department said that action will continue against foreign organizations that promote Iran’s military activities in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The US also said that these new sanctions are a step towards further strengthening the ‘snapback’ sanctions imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council last year.