Washington, D.C. — The United States government has announced the imposition of sanctions on 15 Chinese companies for their alleged involvement in supporting Iran’s military programs and its regional allies, including the Houthi militia in Yemen. 

The move is part of Washington’s broader strategy to curb Iran’s influence in the Middle East and disrupt the supply chains that bolster its proxies.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, the sanctioned entities—primarily based in China and Hong Kong—have been accused of facilitating the transfer of sensitive materials and technologies to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated organizations. 

These materials include carbon fiber and related equipment used in the development of ballistic missiles.

The U.S. government emphasized that these companies played a critical role in Iran’s efforts to indigenize its missile production capabilities, which in turn has enabled Tehran to provide advanced weaponry and logistical support to allied groups across the region. 

Among those beneficiaries are the Houthis in Yemen, who have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government and have conducted missile and drone attacks targeting neighboring countries.

“This action underscores our commitment to disrupting the networks that fuel Iran’s destabilizing activities and support its proxies, including the Houthis,” said a spokesperson from the U.S. Treasury Department. “We will continue to hold accountable those who enable the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and regional aggression.”

The sanctions, enacted under Executive Order 13382, freeze any U.S.-based assets of the designated companies and prohibit American individuals and entities from conducting business with them. 

The move also sends a strong signal to international partners about the risks of engaging with firms linked to Iran’s military-industrial complex.

This latest round of sanctions comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the Houthis have intensified their military operations in solidarity with Palestinian factions in Gaza. U.S. officials have expressed concern that the flow of advanced weaponry and financial support from Iran—facilitated in part by foreign intermediaries—has emboldened such groups and contributed to regional instability.

The Chinese government has yet to issue an official response to the sanctions. However, previous similar actions have drawn criticism from Beijing, which has accused Washington of overreach and politicizing trade relations.

As the U.S. continues to tighten its sanctions regime, analysts warn of potential diplomatic friction with China and further complications in efforts to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East.