By Noureddine Omar | 2025-05-31

The United States recently announced a significant expansion of sanctions, targeting six individuals and 12 entities involved in the Iranian regime's efforts to domestically manufacture materials for its ballistic missile program.

The sanctions target a network helping the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) develop carbon fiber materials necessary for intercontinental ballistic missiles, the US Treasury said May 14.

"The Iranian regime's relentless and irresponsible pursuit of advanced ballistic missile capabilities, including its efforts to indigenize its production capacity, represents an unacceptable threat to the United States and the stability of the region," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

At the center of the Iranian operation is Advanced Fiber Development Company (AFDCO), which works directly with the IRGC to manufacture carbon fibers.

AFDCO is controlled by Mohammad Rezai, who serves as deputy director of IRGC Aerospace Force Research and Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (ASF RSSJO).

Another key figure, Hamed Dehghan, manages the procurement of missile components through multiple companies.

On the Chinese side, Shanghai Tanchain New Material Technology Co Ltd has been identified as a primary exporter of carbon fiber materials to Iran.

The company's owner, executive director and customer relations and sourcing head are facing sanctions, along with several Shanghai Tanchain subsidiaries.

Restricting access to raw materials

The new sanctions limit the Iranian regime's ability to domestically manufacture carbon fiber used in ballistic missiles by restricting access to raw materials and equipment, Saudi military expert Mansour al-Shehri told Al-Fassel.

The IRGC has created an internal system to achieve self-sufficiency in manufacturing military components by connecting domestic entities with external groups that secure materials and handle purchasing, he said.

Tracking IRGC purchases may be challenging but has proven effective in identifying those involved in the global smuggling network, King Abdulaziz University economics lecturer Faisal Al-Khawaldi told Al-Fassel.

These operations drain significant funds from Iran's treasury at the expense of Iranian citizens suffering from economic hardship, he said.

The continued sanctions "are likely to reduce, if not completely halt, the squander of funds on IRGC schemes, which only lead to increased tension and wars in many parts of the world," al-Khawaldi said.