Zelenskyy sanctions 10 individuals over Russian propaganda, including ex-spokesperson Mendel
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed 10-year sanctions on 10 Ukrainian and Russian nationals accused of spreading Russian propaganda and backing Moscow’s aggression. The restrictions include asset freezes and complete bans on commercial activities within Ukraine. The blacklist prominently features Yulia Mendel, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary (2019–2021), who has recently delivered sharp public criticisms of the […]
Iran sanctions 77 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over alleged violations
The Persian Gulf Waterway Administration, established by Iran to regulate maritime traffic, designated 77 vessels for sanctions over alleged transit violations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities warned that secondary penalties will also be imposed on insurance providers and other vessels cooperating with the blacklisted ships. The administration provided no details regarding the flag […]
U.S. targets Russia’s VTB Bank with fresh sanctions over Iran ties
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated state-controlled VTB Bank—Russia’s second-largest lender—under Iran-related authorities as part of “Operation Economic Outcast,” layering on top of its existing Ukraine-war sanctions. Treasury found that VTB established offices in Iran, created correspondent ties with sanctioned Iranian banks, set up a rial-ruble settlement mechanism, and attempted to move billions of […]
US Congress passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill, handing Kyiv key leverage
The U.S. House approved the “Graham bill” (262–159) following an earlier Senate vote (86–11), sending the sweeping package to President Donald Trump to sign into law. The bill targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and “shadow fleet” oil tankers evading existing curbs. It also authorizes President Trump to slap tariffs of up to 100% on major […]
U.S. Targets Iranian Regime’s Crypto Sanctions Evasion Network
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated key components of the Iranian regime’s digital asset network as part of the Trump administration’s “Operation Economic Outcast.” Sanctioned platforms and companies are below: BitBank: An Iranian cryptocurrency exchange controlled by sanctioned financier Babak Zanjani, used to transfer hundreds of millions of […]