On Friday, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against 10 individuals and companies for allegedly aiding Iran in its quest to develop Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. The sanctions include firms based in China, Hong Kong, and Belarus, such as Yushita Shanghai International Trade Co Ltd and HK Hesin Industry Co Ltd. This decision comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran have stalled, with U.S. President Donald Trump preparing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Treasury emphasized its readiness to take further economic action against Iran's military industrial base to prevent the reconstitution of its production capacity. The sanctions are intended to limit Iran's ability to threaten maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil supplies, which has seen significant disruptions since the onset of the conflict. Experts suggest that while the sanctions are a step toward limiting Iran's military capabilities, they may not fully halt Iran's procurement efforts, as the country could adapt by seeking alternative suppliers.