New U.S. Sanctions Against Financial and Arms Networks Supporting Houthis

The U.S. Departments of State and Treasury announced sanctions against several individuals, entities, and a vessel due to their roles in supporting the Iran-backed Houthis. In a statement issued by Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, Tami Piggott, on Friday, January 26, it was noted that the United States has sanctioned various networks that 'support the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists through oil transfers, arms procurement, and financial services.' The State Department emphasized that this action targets financial communications between the Iranian regime and the Houthis, focusing on shell companies and facilitators in Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates that finance Houthi destabilizing activities and attacks in the Red Sea. The Treasury Department also stated that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned 21 individuals and entities, along with one vessel, for their 'roles in supporting the terrorist organization Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis and backed by [the Iranian regime].' According to the Treasury Department, this action targets networks involved in the transfer of petroleum products, arms procurement, dual-use equipment, and providing financial services to the Houthis. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basset stated, 'The Houthis threaten the United States by committing terrorist acts and attacking commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.' He added that the Treasury Department is taking actions to sever ties with nearly 24 individuals and entities involved in oil transfers, arms procurement, and providing financial services for this Iran-backed terrorist organization. Mr. Basset emphasized that the Treasury will use all available tools to expose the networks and individuals supporting Houthi terrorism. The United States designated the Ansar Allah group (Houthis) as a 'Special Global Terrorist Organization' in Bahman 1402 (January-February 2023) and placed this group on the list of 'Foreign Terrorist Organizations' in Esfand 1403 (February-March 2024).