On Feb 27, 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on an Iranian IRGC deputy commander, a Houthi militant, and various companies and ships linked to Iranian commodities trade.

The sanctions focus on a network involved in a $100 million commodities shipment to China and other activities supporting Houthi and Iranian financial networks.

Targeted entities are implicated in aiding Iran's destabilizing efforts, contributing to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and supplying weapons to militias.

Sanctions prohibit access to U.S. properties, freeze bank accounts, and ban business with American entities for those designated.

The U.S. is planning further sanctions on Iran for arms sales to Russia and warns of a 'swift' and 'severe' response if Iran proceeds with ballistic missile sales to Moscow.

The UK has also introduced new sanctions against the same Iranian and Houthi figures, indicating a coordinated international response.

These measures escalate tensions amidst a backdrop of recent maritime attacks in the Mideast involving Iran and the Houthi militia.