US sanctions Iran over drone program, Spain cracks down on Hezbollah-linked network

WASHINGTON, D.C. / BARCELONA — As part of US President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran.

The latest measures target six entities and two individuals accused of facilitating drone part purchases for Iran’s Quds Aviation Industries, a key player in the country’s military drone program.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated that this network supported procurement efforts for other entities within Iran’s military-industrial complex. This marks the second round of US sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s weapons capabilities.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Iran’s proliferation of drones and missiles — used in attacks against Ukraine — poses a serious threat to civilians, US military personnel, and US allies.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Civil Guard carried out a counterterrorism operation against a suspected Hezbollah-linked logistical cell accused of facilitating the supply of drone parts for assembly.

According to Spanish media reports, three individuals were arrested in an apartment in Barcelona’s Eixample district, while additional searches were conducted in Girona, Catalonia.

Previously, Spain’s Intelligence Service, in collaboration with German police, detained four individuals — three in Barcelona and one in Badalona — for allegedly supplying components used in suicide drones launched against Israel from Lebanon.

BREAKING:

Spanish police discover a Hezbollah cell in Barcelona.

5 men were arrested today, suspected of working with logistics for the terror group. pic.twitter.com/edZi568uuR

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 1, 2025