NPR News: 05-10-2026 3AM EDT

US Treasury imposes sanctions on Iran drone suppliers amid Trump-Xi summit tensions.

NPR News Now reports on fresh US sanctions targeting supporters of Iran's weapons programs, alongside aviation safety concerns, a resolved cruise ship health alert, a high-profile murder trial update, and sports developments.

Sanctions Target Chinese Entities Aiding Iran's Drones and Missiles

The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against ten individuals and companies accused of helping Iran develop drones and ballistic missiles. Most targets are based in China and Hong Kong: one Chinese individual and seven companies from those locations face accusations of procuring weapons components and supplies for Iran. These measures come days before President Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where discussions on various issues could be overshadowed by the Iran conflict.

The sanctions aim to disrupt Iran's economic lifelines. China purchases most of Iran's oil exports, and the US has previously targeted small private refineries in China that buy this oil. Beijing has instructed its companies to ignore US sanctions, signaling defiance. Officials downplayed concerns, but the moves underscore ongoing US efforts to isolate Iran economically while navigating trade frictions with China.