The US Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions on two Russian shipping companies and their vessels. The Sea River Service Limited Liability Company from Azov and VAFA Wholesale LTD from Astrakhan were included in the blacklist.
Sanctions were also placed on several dry cargo ships owned by these companies, as well as on the owner of multiple Russian shipping companies, Dzhamaldin Pashaev, and Iranian citizen Ruhollah Katebi, who is believed to be the official representative of the Iranian Defense Ministry in Russia.
The restrictions were imposed for allegedly supplying Iran’s components and weapon systems to Russia, including unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles. Both Moscow and Tehran have denied these claims, emphasizing their intent to enhance cooperation in various areas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports of Iranian weapons being transferred to Russia, stating that such information does not always reflect reality. He reiterated the commitment of both countries to strengthen dialogue and collaboration across all sectors.