US Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Officials
The US State Department has announced a new round of sanctions targeting 18 Iranian officials for their involvement in violently suppressing protests and restricting internet access in Iran. US Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the additions to the sanctions list in a written statement on February 19, citing the officials’ harsh crackdowns on […]
Inside HSI’s Mission to Stop Global Tech Smuggling
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead U.S. agency dedicated to stopping hostile nations (like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea), terrorist networks, and criminal organizations from illegally acquiring advanced U.S. weapons and defense technology. The U.S. relies on strict export controls and sanctions to keep its highly sought-after military innovations out of the wrong […]
UK announces biggest sanctions package against Russia four years on from full-scale invasion of Ukraine
To mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has launched its most extensive sanctions package since 2022. The primary goal is to choke off Moscow’s critical revenue streams—particularly its oil exports—which are currently at their lowest point since 2020. Alongside the economic crackdown, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Kyiv […]
EU sanctions Russian officials as Hungary blocks funds to Ukraine
On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union successfully sanctioned a small group of Russian officials, but failed to pass a massive financial aid package for Ukraine and broader sanctions against Moscow due to a veto from Hungary. The EU froze assets and issued travel bans against eight Russian […]
EU Eyes Sanctions on Georgian Port Over Russian Oil
The European Union is considering adding Georgia’s Black Sea port of Kulevi to its upcoming 20th sanctions package. Brussels suspects the port is being used as a transit hub for Russia’s “shadow fleet” to export crude oil, helping Moscow bypass international sanctions and fund its war in Ukraine. Scrutiny intensified after a Russian tanker delivered […]
U.S. Sanctions Two Turkey-Based Firms Over Hezbollah Links
On February 10, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC) added two Istanbul-based companies to its sanctions list. These firms are accused of facilitating a complex “commodities-for-cash” scheme to generate revenue for Hezbollah. The Turkish Entities Involved: Platinum Group International Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti.: Registered in Istanbul in 2024, this trading firm is accused of helping […]
U.S. Sanctions Hezbollah’s “NGO” Gold Exchange
On February 10, 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions against Jood SARL, a Lebanese gold exchange. Officials claim the company is not a legitimate non-governmental organization but a front used to convert gold reserves into cash for Hezbollah. Jood SARL is reportedly managed by Al-Qard al-Hassan (AQAH), a Hezbollah-run financial institution. After Israel […]
Canada Imposes New Sanctions Against Iranian “Repression Network”
On February 14, 2026, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced new sanctions against seven individuals linked to the Iranian government. These measures target those involved in “transnational repression”—the practice of using violence and intimidation against dissidents living outside of Iran. The goal is to disrupt Iranian state-sponsored efforts to silence human rights advocates and […]
South Korea Reevaluates North Korea Trade Sanctions
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young recently informed lawmakers that Seoul is reviewing its unilateral sanctions (the May 24 Measures) that have frozen cross-border trade since 2010. This review comes amid a shifting international landscape and new humanitarian exemptions from the United Nations. These sanctions were originally imposed after the 2010 sinking of the ROKS Cheonan warship. […]
EU Targets Georgian Port in New Sanctions Proposal
The European Union is weighing sanctions against the Kulevi oil terminal in Georgia as part of its 20th sanctions package against Russia. The move aims to crack down on the evasion of existing restrictions on Russian oil. The European Commission claims the port has been receiving Russian oil via “shadow fleet” vessels using high-risk and […]