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On July 12, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on an Iranian company for its involvement in chemical weapons research and development.
In a statement, the US Department of State announced that Hakiman Sharq Research Company was added to the US sanctions list for its participation or attempted participation in activities that significantly contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Iran.
According to the US statement, these sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters.
The United States asserts that it will continue to counter any efforts by the Iranian regime to develop chemical weapons, including those that might be used by its proxies and partners to support Iran’s destabilizing agenda of inciting and prolonging conflicts worldwide.
The US Special Envoy for Iran, Abram Paley, wrote on his X page that the US had imposed sanctions on a company involved in Iranian chemical weapons research and development, expressing concerns about the proliferation of chemical weapons from Iran.
Paley added that Tehran is not meeting its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, prompting the US to use all means to counter the Iranian regime’s efforts to develop its chemical weapons program.
Since 2018, the US has classified Iran as non-compliant with the Chemical Weapons Convention due to its failure to fully declare its chemical weapons-related activities and facilities. In 2024, the US further classified Iran as violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by developing drug-based agents as part of its chemical weapons program.
Hakiman Sharq Company operates in the field of pharmaceutical and biological products, medical devices, and anti-cancer drugs. It was established in mid-1999 in Khomeini Shahr near Isfahan Province (central Iran, south of Tehran). According to Independent Farsi, the company’s CEO is Seyyed Ali Alavi, and the chairwoman of the board is Leila Safian Naeini.
Iran joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997, ratifying the document prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, in addition to the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles.
Iran’s “chemical” activities have extended to Syria. At the end of May 2024, Tortoise News reported on information regarding Iran’s development of its chemical weapons, amidst reports of Tehran assisting Damascus in building and developing Syria’s chemical arsenal.
A report by the Alma Center (an institute focused on threats to northern Israel) stated that “Iran’s main focus is on developing and manufacturing precision rockets, missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles on Syrian soil, using the facilities of the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Syria.”
Since 2013, the use of chemical weapons in Syria has expanded, particularly in cities under tight sieges by regime forces and their supporters (Russia and Iran), including the incidents in Douma, Damascus countryside in 2013, and Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib countryside in 2017.
