The U.S. government announced today that one individual and ten (10) shipping companies located in Malta have been sanctioned for having links to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). IRISL is a specially designated national (SDN) under U.S. law.

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen said "[a]s IRISL and its subsidiaries continue their deceptive efforts to escape the grasp of U.S. and international sanctions, we will continue to take action—as we are today—to expose the front companies, agents and managers working with IRISL and work to stop this illicit business."

For sevearal years, "IRISL has facilitated shipments of military-related cargo destined for Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and its subordinate entities, including organizations designated by the United States for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 and listed in United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1737 in 2006, 1747 in 2007, and 1929 in 2010. The Department of State designated MODAFL pursuant to E.O. 13382 in October 2007, and the Treasury Department designated IRISL in September 2008," the release added.

For more information, visit the Treasury Department website.