The United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday implemented broad sanctions against Iran’s military drone program.
This action was in response to a direct attack on Israel by Iran, which utilized military drones.
US President Joe Biden emphasized the intention behind the sanctions, saying: “Today, we are holding Iran accountable — imposing new sanctions and export controls.”
The US Treasury Department detailed the scope of these sanctions, stating they are aimed at “16 individuals and two entities enabling Iran’s UAV production, including engine types that power Iran’s Shahed variant UAVs, which were used in the April 13 attack.”
Additionally, the UK joined in imposing sanctions “targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved in Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile industries,” according to the Treasury Department.
The context for these sanctions traces back to Tehran’s unprecedented direct military assault on Israel late Saturday, which was a retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, attributed to Israel, that killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals. This large-scale attack saw over 300 drones and missiles launched, most of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the US and the UK, with minimal damage resulting.
While Israel has yet to announce specifics regarding retaliation, the nation’s military leadership has assured a response. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed, “Israel reserves the right to protect itself.”
Further explaining the coordinated international response, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated, “Today, in coordination with the United Kingdom and consultation with partners and allies, we are taking swift and decisive action to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel. We’re using the Treasury’s economic tools to degrade and disrupt key aspects of Iran’s malign activity, including its UAV program and the revenue the regime generates to support its terrorism. We will continue to deploy our sanctions authority to counter Iran with further actions in the days and weeks ahead.”
The sanctions are comprehensive, targeting not only those directly involved in the UAV program but also extending to five companies that supply parts for Iran’s steel industry, crucial for its military manufacturing.
President Biden reiterated the collective resolve after discussions with G7 leaders: “As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: the United States is committed to Israel’s security. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.”
Echoing this sentiment, the UK government, in partnership with the US Treasury, announced sanctions against seven individuals and six companies, highlighting their role in supporting Tehran’s “destabilizing regional activity, including its direct attack on Israel.” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack as “a reckless act and a dangerous escalation,” asserting that the sanctions “show we unequivocally condemn this behavior, and they will further limit Iran’s ability to destabilize the region.”
