![Destruction by Iranian drones near Kyiv, Ukraine on March 22, 2023](https://d3mv0einoev7vh.cloudfront.net/05251b0b62d9134ac23a16fa31c924603108de35-8003x5504.jpg?rect=765%2C0%2C6475%2C5504&w=600&h=510&auto=format)
Destruction by Iranian drones near Kyiv, Ukraine on March 22, 2023
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani says a recent statement by US Secretary of State about Iran's military program is solely to promote "Iranophobia."
In a tweet on Thursday, Antony Blinken had said that Washington is firmly committed to disrupting Iran’s military procurement activities.
“We are designating entities from Iran and the People’s Republic of China involved in such destabilizing behavior,” he added.
Kanaani stated in a press release on Sunday that such remarks are “aimed at selling American weapons by fomenting the failed project of Iranophobia and creating division among regional countries.”
He claimed that Iran's military program is solely “defensive and deterrent” in nature and is not directed against any country that would not consider aggression against the Islamic Republic.
Iran has been supplying drones, rockets, missiles and other weapons to a host of militant proxy groups throughout the Middle East, and has sent hundreds of suicide drones to Russia that have been used against Ukraine.
On April 19, US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six persons and one entity involved in Iran's acquisition of electronic components for its destabilizing military programs.
OFAC has issued multiple rounds of designations targeting Iran's UAV and missile programs, to include elements involved in production, procurement, and proliferation.
“Treasury will continue to enforce its sanctions against Iran’s military procurement efforts that contribute to regional insecurity and global instability,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said recently said.