The United States imposed new sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities connected to Iran’s drone program in response to last weekend’s attack on Israel. The sanctions target executives of an engine manufacturer that supplies Iran’s Shahad-131 drones, along with companies that service the engines and individuals associated with providing the drones to Iranian proxy forces in the Middle East. The Treasury Department also announced sanctions on five companies linked to Iran’s steel industry and three subsidiaries of an Iranian automaker. These sanctions were coordinated with European allies and aim to disrupt supplies to Iran’s missile and drone
programs, as well as isolate Iran on the global stage.
President Joe Biden emphasized the US commitment to Israel’s security in a statement accompanying the announcement of the sanctions. The message is clear to those enabling or supporting Iran’s attacks that the United States will hold them accountable without necessarily resorting to military action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the economic tools would be used to disrupt Iran’s malign activity, including its unmanned aerial vehicle program and the revenue generated to support terrorism. Further actions against Iran are expected in the coming days and weeks to make it harder and costlier for Iran to continue its destabilizing behavior.
After Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones toward Israel in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike that killed Iranian military officials in Damascus, Biden consulted with Group of 7 leaders to condemn the attack and develop a diplomatic response through new sanctions. The US and other countries have urged Israel to exercise restraint to avoid escalating tensions and prevent a wider regional conflict. While Israel has not yet announced its response, the country’s war cabinet has been meeting to consider its options.
During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden assured that the US would not participate in offensive action against Iran and instead choose economic measures as a response to the attack on Israel. The successful interception of the Iranian barrage by Israel, with support from the US and regional countries, demonstrated Israel’s military strength and tactical prowess. The US hopes to prevent further aggression from Iran through economic pressure rather than military intervention. The latest sanctions add to the already stringent regime of US measures against Iran, targeting officials and industries to deter human rights abuses and nuclear weapons development.
Treasury Secretary Yellen did not rule out the possibility of imposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports, a move that could affect gas prices and provoke China, a major buyer of Iranian oil. The US has been proactive in using economic sanctions to punish Iran and prevent it from further aggression. These measures are part of a broader strategy to combat Iran’s destabilizing activities and protect regional security. The parties involved are closely monitoring the situation and considering all options to ensure the safety and stability of the region. Additional reactions and developments are expected to unfold as the situation evolves.
