U.S. sanctions target Iran Guard Corps

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it has targeted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for new economic sanctions.

Stuart Levey, U.S. Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said one individual and four companies affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards have been added to a blacklist established by a White House order freezing the assets of those seen connected with Tehran's alleged efforts to build a nuclear weapon.

The move comes as a sense of urgency over Iran's uranium enrichment has been heightened by an announcement from Tehran indicating it is stepping up its nuclear program. U.S. President Barack Obama responded this week by saying additional U.S. sanctions were being considered on Iran.

Wednesday's action targets Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, and Corps Gen. Rostam Qasemi, who is also the commander of the construction headquarters, described as an engineering arm that serves to generate income for the corps.

"As the IRGC consolidates control over broad swaths of the Iranian economy, displacing ordinary Iranian businessmen in favor of a select group of insiders, it is hiding behind companies like Khatam al-Anbiya and its affiliates to maintain vital ties to the outside world," Levey said.