US sanctions on Iranian shipping companies over proliferation come into effect

US sanctions imposed on Iran’s shipping network for allegedly supporting proliferation of weapons of mass destruction came into effect from June 8. State Department h anunced in December 2019 that United States would take action against Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd (E-Sail), targeting WMD proliferators and ir supporters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that a 180-days window was given to allow exporters of humanitarian goods to Iran sufficient time to find alternate shipping methods. Pompeo emphasised that any commercial and maritime industries doing business with Iran must use carriers or shipping methods or than IRISL or E-Sail.

“se designations serve as a clear warning that anyone doing business with or orwise supporting IRISL or E-Sail are exposed to potential sanctions and risk contributing to Iran’s proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs,” warned top US diplomat.

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'Continued deception'

Pompeo accused IRISL of repeatedly transporting items related to Iran’s ballistic missile and military programs and said that it is also a “longstanding carrier” of or proliferation-sensitive items, including Nuclear Suppliers-Group controlled items. He said that Iranian regime has continued to pursue and procure proliferation-sensitive items in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 despite making claims that it will never develop nuclear weapons and associated delivery systems

“ international community should take tice of Iran’s continued deception,” ded Pompeo.

Meanwhile, US has been trying to get Security Council to renew arms embargo on Iran that is set to expire in October. It has also publicly threatened to trigger all UN sanctions on Iran if Security Council fails to extend arms embargo which is due to expire in October. Iran nuclear deal was enshrined in a UN Security Council resolution which still names United States as a participant and Trump ministration is arguing on technicality that Washington could still trigger a snapback. 

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