US sanctions Iran’s envoy to Yemen, Iranian university

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration escalates steps to rein in Iran’s activities in the Middle East and North Korea’s efforts to evade international sanctions with new penalties against both nations and proxies.

As it winds down its term, the administration announces that it has imposed sanctions on Iran’s envoy to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Hasan Irlu, and Al-Mustafa International University for recruiting fighters for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to foment instability in Yemen and in Syria.

In a separate statement, the Treasury Department says it also is imposing sanctions on six Chinese and Vietnamese companies and four ships for selling and transporting North Korean coal in violation of UN sanctions.

The moves come as the administration seeks to step up pressure on governments it opposes in various parts of the world before President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.

The penalties freeze any assets the targets may already have in or that enter US jurisdictions, and bar Americans from doing business with them. Several of those identified for the North Korean violations are already subject to US sanctions. The measures may also subject third-country companies and individuals to US sanctions if they are found to be engaging in transactions with them.

— AP