In parallel to sanctions announcements by the UK and Canada, the U.S. designated “sixteen entities and eight individuals, as well as identifying as blocked property five vessels and one aircraft, that have facilitated illicit trade and the sale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and the regime’s UAV development and procurement”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the designations, asserting: “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s military capacities are being developed… in order to protect national security and interests, safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty, and create a legitimate and deterrent defence against foreign threats and acts of aggression”.