US Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Iran's Drone Program Amid Israel's Deliberations on Weekend Attack Retaliation

 

On Thursday, the United States imposed fresh sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities linked to Iran's drone program, responding to Tehran's recent assault on Israel.

 

The sanctions specifically target executives of an engine manufacturer supplying Iran's Shahad-131 drones, used in the attack, alongside companies maintaining these engines and individuals facilitating drone provision to Iranian proxy groups across the Middle East.

 

Additionally, the Treasury Department sanctioned five companies associated with Iran's steel industry and three subsidiaries of an Iranian automaker.

 

These new measures, coordinated with European allies, aim to disrupt Iran's missile and drone programs while isolating the country internationally.

 

Moreover, they signal to Israel that countering Iran's aggression need not rely solely on military means.

 

President Joe Biden affirmed the US commitment to hold Iran accountable for its actions. He emphasized support for Israel's security and readiness to take necessary measures against those aiding Iran's attacks.

 

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen underscored the economic tools' role in undermining Iran's malign activities, including its drone program and revenue supporting terrorism. Further actions against Iran are expected in the coming days and weeks.

 

Over the weekend, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Damascus. Biden and fellow Group of 7 leaders condemned the attack and worked on a diplomatic response, leading to the imposition of new sanctions.

 

While urging Israeli restraint to prevent escalation, Biden assured Netanyahu that the US would not join offensive actions against Iran but would pursue economic measures.

 

Israel's response remains pending, with its war cabinet meeting without announcing definitive actions.

 

These sanctions add to the already strict US regime, which aims to pressure Iran for human rights violations and nuclear deterrent. Yellen hinted at possible sanctions on Iranian oil exports, risking higher gas prices and potential tensions with China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.