US designates 9 individuals for supporting Iran's sanctions evasion bids

The US Treasury Department designated Tuesday nine individuals and entities under various Iran-related authorities for their support of Iranian government sanctions evasion efforts and human rights-related abusers, including those engaged in censorship.
The Treasury also updated information related to 30 vessels blocked for their affiliation with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) under non-proliferation sanctions.
These actions reflect the US continued commitment to enforce existing sanctions while the P5+1 and Iran seek to negotiate a comprehensive solution to address the international community's concerns over Iran's nuclear program, noted the treasury.
"Although we do not support the imposition of any new nuclear-related sanctions while negotiations are ongoing, throughout the JPOA period we have made clear, by word and deed, that we will continue to enforce our existing sanctions. Today's actions underscore this commitment," Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen said in a statement.
Treasury designated the following five individuals and one entity under E.O. 13622 for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for the purchase or acquisition of US bank notes by the Government of Iran: Hossein Zeidi, Seyed Kamal Yasini, Azizullah Asadullah Qulandary, Asadollah Seifi, Teymour Ameri, and Belfast General Trading.
Additionally, Asia Bank official Anahita Nasirbeik is being designated for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods and services in support of, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), or the purchase or acquisition of US bank notes by the Iranian government.
Meanwhile, Iranian information technology firm Douran Software Technologies is being designated under E.O. 13628, which targets censorship or other activities that limit the freedom of expression or assembly of the Iranian people since the June 2009 election.
Iranian company Abyssec is being designated under E.O. 13553 for providing support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was designated under E.O. 13553 in June 2011 for committing serious human rights abuses.