On November 14, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on 26 entities linked to Hussam Ahmed Qaterji, a key financial conduit for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These sanctions were enacted due to Qaterji's role in generating revenue for the IRGC through oil sales to Syria and China. Following the assassination of his brother, Mohammad Baraa Qaterji, in an Israeli airstrike on July 15, 2024, Hussam Qaterji took over the family business, which has since expanded its influence in the oil sector previously dominated by the Islamic State. The Qaterji family has established connections with the Syrian regime and Hezbollah, further solidifying their role in the regional oil trade [0dfff1c9].
This action against Qaterji is part of a broader strategy by the US to disrupt financial networks that support Iran's military and its regional allies. The sanctions are intended to limit the IRGC's ability to fund its operations and support proxy groups, including those in Syria and Lebanon. The US Treasury Department has emphasized that these sanctions are crucial for countering Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East [0dfff1c9].
In a related context, the US has previously targeted a shadow banking network that facilitated financial transactions for Iran's military, which included sanctions on 50 entities and individuals across various countries. This network was instrumental in helping Iran's MODAFL and the IRGC gain access to the international financial system, processing billions of dollars since 2020. The sanctions aimed to disrupt the flow of funds to Iran's military, thereby limiting its ability to support proxy groups like Yemen's Houthis and engage in military activities in the region [e266690f] [725e7ed3] [e53b7dc0] [14e50944].
The sanctions on Qaterji and the broader network reflect the US government's ongoing commitment to counter Iran's influence and its support for militant groups across the region. The US Treasury has made it clear that it will continue to take action against individuals and entities that facilitate Iran's military and financial operations [0dfff1c9].