The U.S. Sanctions Four Entities Linked to Pakistan's Missile Program

On Wednesday, December 19, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department announced that Washington is imposing new sanctions on Pakistan related to the country's ballistic missile program, which also includes the government defense organization overseeing this program. Matthew Miller stated that the United States has identified and sanctioned four entities involved in Pakistan's ballistic missile program, emphasizing that 'we have been transparent and consistent about our concerns and will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.' According to the U.S. State Department's statement, the Pakistani entities and organizations sanctioned in this regard include: the private company 'Akhtar and Sons' in Karachi, the company Roxide in Karachi, Affiliates International in Karachi, and the National Development Complex in Islamabad. Pakistan is equipped with nuclear weapons and previously bombed parts of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province in response to a missile attack from the Islamic Republic targeting what it called positions of armed opponents, which was met with silence from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei. Reactions from figures to Pakistan's attack on the day of 'Ghazal' poetry by Khamenei; Prince Reza Pahlavi: The Islamic Republic is 'terrorism-promoting.' The U.S. warns India: Trade cooperation with the Islamic Republic will lead to sanctions. Exclusive; the U.S. strongly condemned the 'piracy' of the Revolutionary Guards. Pakistan identified the Zainabiyoun Brigade as a 'terrorist organization' and 'disturber of peace and security in the country.' The Security Council condemned the 'terrorist attack' on the police force in Taftan. The U.S. emphasized the need for 'restraint' from Iran and Pakistan: We do not want to see escalations in conflicts.