The United States has imposed new penalties on Iran's drone production after a recent attack on Israel. The U.S. wants to isolate and damage Tehran following the attack, which was mostly ineffective.
The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 16 people and two organizations involved in making Iranian drones, including the engines for the notorious explosive Shahed model.
The new sanctions also target five companies involved in Iran's steel production, as well as Iranian automaker Bahman Group and three of its subsidiaries, accusing them of supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military force.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the U.S. is taking swift and decisive action in response to Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel.
Yellen explained that the U.S. is using economic tools to disrupt key aspects of Iran's negative activities, including its drone program and the revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism. This will make it more challenging and costly for Iran to continue its destabilizing behavior.
Over the past three years, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on over 600 Iranian individuals and entities.
Earlier this week, the White House confirmed that new sanctions were imminent following Iran's launch of over 300 missiles and drones at Israel last weekend, an attack that was largely thwarted by Israeli and allied defense systems. signaled President Biden stated on Thursday that the new sanctions target the Iranian government's missile and drone program, which facilitated the bold assault on Israel.
Biden emphasized the commitment to collectively increasing economic pressure on Iran. He mentioned that allies and partners have already imposed or are planning further sanctions and measures to restrict Iran's destabilizing military programs.
The sanctions are a response to the Iranian attack, which prompted the U.S. to convene a meeting of the Group of Seven, leading to a joint statement condemning the attack and a pledge to respond accordingly.
The sanctions also serve as a signal to Israel that there are other ways to target Iran besides military force, possibly influencing Israel's reported decision to retaliate against Iran for the missile and drone attack, which could escalate tensions further.
The United Kingdom also joined the U.S. in targeting Iran with sanctions on Thursday, sanctioning seven people and six entities, including military leaders and individuals involved in Iranian drone production.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the joint sanctions unequivocally condemn Iran's behavior and will further limit its ability to destabilize the region, regarding Iran's attack against Israel as reckless and dangerous escalation.
The U.S. announced new sanctions on Iran's drone manufacturing, aiming to isolate and harm Tehran following its mostly unsuccessful attack on Israel last weekend. The Treasury Department sanctioned 16 individuals and two entities involved in the production of Iranian drones, including the engines built for the explosive Shahed variant.
