US sanctions alleged Iran-centered Qaeda network

The United States on Wednesday announced sanctions on six men accused of operating a network which moves Al-Qaeda operatives and money through Iran.

The US Treasury named Iran-based Ezedine Abdel Aziz Khalil, aka Yasin al-Sura, as a “senior Al-Qaeda facilitator” who has operated from inside Iran since 2005 “under an agreement between Al-Qaeda and the Iranian government.”

Khalil moves Qaeda money and recruits from across the Middle East through Iran and then to Pakistan “for the benefit of Al-Qaeda senior leaders,” the Treasury said in a statement.