US sanctions Iranian group allegedly involved in chemical weapons research

The US Treasury Department sanctions an Iranian entity and its director for alleged involvement in chemical weapons research for Iran.

“Iran’s development of weapons of mass destruction is a threat to the security of its neighbors and the world,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says in a statement. “The United States will continue to counter any efforts by the Iranian regime to develop chemical weapons that may be used by the regime or its proxy groups to advance their malign agenda.”

As a result of the sanctions, any US assets belonging to Shahid Meisami Group and Mehran Babri will be frozen and American nationals are generally barred from dealings with them.

The Treasury Department says the group is linked to the Iranian Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, which is already under US sanctions.

The announcement of the sanctions comes as US President Donald Trump tightens the screws on Iran before leaving office.