The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned nine entities operating in or supporting Iran's metals sector. Revenue from this sector funds the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Treasury. The sanctioned companies include a German-based subsidiary of Mobarakeh Steel Company, Iran's largest steel producer, as well as three Mobarakeh sales agents and trading companies based in the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions also target the Iranian aluminum producer South Aluminum Co., steel and iron producer Sirjan Jahan Steel Complex, and iron producer Iran Central Iron Ore Co. In a joint action, the U.S. State Department sanctioned Global Industrial and Engineering Supply Ltd., located in China and Hong Kong, for allegedly providing graphite to Iran.