US designates Iranian shipping, aviation entities

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday that the US is taking action against three Iranian entities "linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)." "The State Department is announcing the designation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its China-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd, and the Iranian airline Mahan Air under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of WMD and their delivery systems, as well as their supporters," Pompeo said in a statement.
He stressed that the Iranian regime "has continued to procure proliferation-sensitive items in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231." He added that these designations "should serve as a warning that doing business with IRISL, E-Sail, or Mahan Air risks contributing to Iran's proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs." Pompeo noted that "to allow exporters of humanitarian goods to Iran sufficient time to find alternate shipping methods, the designations for IRISL and E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd will have a brief wind-down period," but that the designation of Mahan Air "and three of its general sales agents is effective immediately." Earlier today, Pompeo told reporters as he announced the designations that "these programs involved the siphoning of funds away from the oppressed Iranian people, and they augment the regime's campaign of terror and intimidation at home and throughout the world." "Today's designations put the world on notice: Those who engage in illicit transactions with these companies will risk exposure to sanctions themselves," he warned. (end) si