US imposes sanctions on Iranian entities tied to drone manufacturing
- In Reports
- 02:16 PM, Apr 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has imposed new sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities linked to Iran's drone programme in response to Tehran's recent attack on Israel over the weekend.
The sanctions target executives of an engine manufacturer that supplies Iran’s Shahad-131 drones, which were used in the recent attack, along with companies servicing the engines and individuals involved in providing the drones to Iranian proxy forces in the Middle East.
Additionally, the Treasury Department announced punitive measures against five companies linked to Iran’s steel industry and three subsidiaries of an Iranian automaker.
These new sanctions, coordinated with European allies, aim to disrupt supplies to Iran’s missile and drone programme and to isolate the country internationally.
They also serve as a signal from the United States and its key allies to Israel that addressing Iran’s recent aggression does not necessarily require a military response.
In a statement accompanying the announcement of the sanctions, President Joe Biden asserted that the US will not hesitate to hold Iran accountable.
Biden emphasised, "Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s security, our personnel, and partners in the region. We will take all necessary action to hold you accountable."
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated, "We are utilising Treasury's economic tools to degrade and disrupt key aspects of Iran's malign activity, including its unmanned aerial vehicle programme and the revenue generated to support terrorism. We will continue to deploy sanctions authority to counter Iran with further actions in the days and weeks ahead."
Yellen further highlighted, "Our actions aim to make it harder and costlier for Iran to continue its destabilising behaviour at every turn."
Over the weekend, Iran initiated a retaliatory attack by launching over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel in response to an Israeli airstrike on a diplomatic compound in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military officials. Israel, supported by the United States and other regional nations, successfully intercepted the majority of the incoming fire.
After the attack, Biden consulted with fellow Group of 7 leaders to condemn the attack and discuss a diplomatic response, including imposing new sanctions.
Biden and other leaders urged Israel to show restraint after the weekend attack, aiming to prevent a broader regional conflict. The successful interception of the Iranian barrage was seen as proof of Israel's military strength by the US and other countries.
Israel has yet to announce its response, with the country's war cabinet holding meetings this week without reaching a decision. During a telephone conversation, Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would refrain from participating in offensive action against Iran. Instead, the White House has expressed its intent to impose economic sanctions on Tehran in retaliation for the attack on Israel.
The proposed actions will strengthen one of the strictest regimes of US sanctions, aimed at pressuring Iranian officials and industries to deter human rights abuses and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition.
Yellen did not dismiss the possibility of imposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports earlier this week. However, such a move could lead to increased gas prices and potential tensions with China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil.
Image source: CNN
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