US Sanctions Pakistani Businessman, Cavalier Group Firms Over Alleged Iran Links

The United States has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities across several countries for allegedly assisting Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), a report said.

Among those targeted are a Pakistani businessman and three companies linked to him, according to an analysis by The Media Line.

The businessman chairs Pakistan-based Cavalier Group, a private defence company with operations in Pakistan and other countries.

US authorities allege that he and the company acted as intermediaries for Iran’s Defence Ministry. They further allegedly helped procure and distribute weapons and military components.

The businessman serves as majority shareholder and chief executive of Cavalier Dynamics Private Limited in Pakistan. He is linked to affiliated companies in Saudi Arabia and Turkey that were included in the sanctions action.

The report said US authorities took action against Saudi Arabia-based Cavalier Dynamics for Technologies in coordination with Saudi authorities.

Washington alleges that the businessman provided or attempted to provide financial, material and technological support to MODAFL.

The Ministry oversees weapons research, production and acquisition for Iran’s armed forces.

US authorities further oversee organisations linked to Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would continue targeting individuals and entities supporting Iran under Operation Economic Outcast.

The campaign began in August to disrupt Iranian economic networks.

The Treasury said the initiative seeks to block revenue streams that Iran allegedly uses to evade sanctions, fund militant activities and sustain defence programmes.

Entities involved in sanctions evasion or money laundering for Iran could, however, face exclusion from the US financial system and secondary sanctions, the report said.

Cavalier Group describes itself as a leading private-sector defence company in Pakistan.

The company has not publicly responded to the US allegations, according to the report.

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