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The US sanctions 16 companies and 8 people linked to the Iranian drone program

The US Government imposed sanctions against 16 companies and 8 individuals linked to Iran’s drone program and its distribution to Russia for the war in Ukraine.

The United States also identified five ships and a plane as a blocked property.

Washington justified these measures against companies and individuals for “having facilitated the illicit trade and sale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of the Ministry of Defense of Iran.”

Among the sanctioned entities is ‘Sahara Thunder’, which according to a statement from the State Department, is the main company that oversees the commercial activities of Modafl, the logistics branch of the Iranian Ministry of Defense.

“‘Sahara Thunder’ also plays a key role in the design, development, manufacture and sale of thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) by Iran, many of which are finally transferred to Russia for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine,” the United States said.

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In its measure today, the United States also sanctioned several members of the leadership of this company identified as Kazem Mirzai Kondori, Hossein Bakshayesh and Hojat Abdulahi Fard.

Likewise, the United States sanctioned a network of Iranian logistics companies and other countries from which Modafl and ‘Sahara Thunder’ would have been used for the international trade of drones to Russia, China or Venezuela.

Among them several companies from India, the United Arab Emirates and Iran that operate ships with the flag of the Cook Islands and also from Palau.

As a result of the sanctions, the properties and assets that those people or companies have in U.S. territory are blocked, and Americans are prohibited from having transactions with them.

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International

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Purse Stolen in D.C. Restaurant Heist

The purse of Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was stolen on Sunday night at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., Fox News Digital confirmed through several agency sources.

The handbag, taken by a white male wearing a mask, reportedly contained $3,000 in cash along with personal documents, including her passport, keys, driver’s license, and DHS badge, according to an agency spokesperson.

“Her entire family was in town, including her children and grandchildren. She was celebrating her retirement by treating them to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts,” the spokesperson added.

Crime continues to be a significant issue in the U.S. capital, particularly theft. However, violent crime reached its lowest level in 30 years last year, according to the Office of the Attorney General at the time.

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International

Pope Francis: The Quiet Architect Behind the U.S.-Cuba Thaw

When then-U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro announced the reestablishment of diplomatic relations in December 2014—after decades of hostility—there was a third figure present in both speeches: Pope Francis.

This thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations—later reversed by Donald Trump—was the result of behind-the-scenes negotiations personally encouraged by Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, just over a year after becoming head of the Catholic Church.

Upon learning the news of the breakthrough, the pontiff humbly stated, “This was made possible thanks to the ambassadors and to diplomacy,” which he called “a noble, very noble job.”

In 2015, months after the announcement, Raúl Castro visited the Vatican and met with the pope. Over time, Castro developed a fondness for Francis that he never had for his predecessors, Benedict XVI and John Paul II. “If the Pope continues talking like this, sooner or later I’ll start praying again and return to the Catholic Church—and I’m not joking,” said the younger Castro, who, like his brother Fidel (1926–2016), had been educated by Jesuits—the same order to which Pope Francis belonged.

Pope Francis visited Cuba later that year. Just days before his arrival, the Cuban government announced the pardon of 3,522 common prisoners as an act of clemency.

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While in Havana, the pope met with Fidel Castro, who gave him a first edition of the book Fidel and Religion by Brazilian friar and liberation theologian Frei Betto.

Criticism from the Opposition

Francis’s diplomatic approach also drew criticism from parts of the Cuban opposition. In a 2022 interview with Univision, the pope revealed he had “a human relationship” with Raúl Castro.

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International

Dominican Republic Declares Three Days of Mourning for Pope Francis

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning starting Tuesday following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.

In an official decree, Abinader highlighted the pope’s legacy “as a global leader who promoted significant reforms within the Catholic Church and was known for his humility, openness to dialogue, and commitment to peace among nations.”

During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-staff at military facilities and public buildings.

According to a statement from the Office of the Presidency, although Pope Francis never visited the Dominican Republic during his papacy, he maintained a close relationship with the country. He expressed solidarity and empathy during difficult times, including offering prayers for the victims of the recent tragedy at a Santo Domingo nightclub on April 8, which claimed 232 lives and left more than 180 injured.

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