An announcement was made on Thursday by the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) regarding comprehensive sanctions imposed on Iran’s military drone program in response to its recent attack on Israel.
The Treasury Department, in a statement regarding Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle program, mentioned that Washington is focusing on “16 individuals and two entities that facilitate Iran’s UAV production, especially engine types powering Iran’s Shahed variant UAVs used in the April 13 attack.”
Similarly, the UK has decided to impose sanctions aimed at “various Iranian military organizations, individuals, and entities involved in Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile industries,” as stated by the Treasury Department.
Recollecting the events, Tehran conducted its first direct military assault on Israel late Saturday as a response to an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in casualties from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals, and was widely attributed to Israel.
The extensive assault involved over 300 drones and missiles, with most intercepted by Israel, alongside support from the US and the UK, resulting in minimal damage.
Following the attacks, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated the country’s sovereign right to defend itself.
“Today, in collaboration with the United Kingdom and consultations with our partners and allies, we are promptly taking decisive measures in response to Iran’s unprecedented aggression against Israel.
“We are employing the economic tools of the Treasury to weaken and disrupt crucial aspects of Iran’s nefarious activities, including its UAV program and the revenue generated to support terrorism.
“We will continue to utilize our authority to impose sanctions to counter Iran with additional actions in the coming days and weeks,” mentioned US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a press release.
In addition to targeting Iran’s UAV program, the US is also imposing sanctions on five companies supplying parts to Iran’s steel industry.