IPFS Stephen Lendman

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Iran Sanctions 15 US Companies

Iran Sanctions 15 US Companies

by Stephen Lendman

The symbolic act came days after Washington imposed sanctions on 30 foreign companies and individuals - allegedly for violating export controls on Iran, Syria and North Korea, along with selling technology aiding Tehran's legitimate missile program.

Its government also acted in response to Congress introducing the "Countering Iran's Destabilization Activities Act of 2017" - certain to pass both houses, likely unanimously, targeting Tehran's missile program intended solely for defense, along with falsely accusing its government of supporting terrorism.

The measure calls for sanctioning anyone involved with Iran's missile program, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of its armed forces, responsible for defending the nation from foreign adversaries.

US companies sanctioned include ITT Corp., Raytheon, United Technologies, BENI Tal, Re/Max Real Estate, Oshkosh (truck-making) Corp., Magnum Research, Kahr Arms, M7 Aerospace, Lewis Machine and Tool Co., Daniel Defense, Bushmaster Firearms International, OF Mossberg & Sons, and H-S Precision Inc.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry statement said "(t)he Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the recent measure taken by the United States administration to impose one-sided extraterritorial sanctions against Iranian and non-Iranian individuals and institutions."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran accepts no restrictions imposed against its efforts to protect its dignity, territorial integrity and security of the people."

Companies were targeted for supporting Israeli oppression, brutality and atrocities against Palestinians, along with illegal settlements. 

They're symbolically barred from doing business in Iran, their former and current officials ineligible for visitation visas. 

Companies with assets in Iran may be seized. A senior Iranian lawmaker said the US military and CIA may be designated as terrorist organizations if congressional legislation targets the IRGC the same way.

Actions by Washington breach the 2015 nuclear deal's letter and spirit. Perhaps Trump administration hardliners want Tehran provoked enough to walk away unilaterally - because of repeated US violations, wanting the Islamic Republic blamed for Washington's actions.

Depending on US actions, Iran may sanction more American companies and entities.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

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