The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on individuals and entities described as part of an international network that helps Iran obtain weapons.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced in a statement that the sanctions targeted Iranian and Russian nationals, as well as entities based in Iran, Russia, and Nigeria.

The statement explained that these sanctions 'reveal Iran's use of foreign airlines and transport companies, financial channels, and travel coordinators to conceal the role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in illegal purchases and the transfer of materials and individuals around the world.'

This step comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, including disputes related to the Strait of Hormuz, as the administration of President Donald Trump continues to tighten pressure on Iran through a series of successive punitive measures.

These measures add to sanctions imposed by the United States in May against individuals and companies, including entities in China and Hong Kong, accused of supporting the Iranian weapons sector. Washington also imposed sanctions in June against 11 individuals and entities accused of helping the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian army purchase weapons.