US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran After Drone Attack on Israel
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, targeting its drone manufacturing network, just days after Tehran’s unprecedented missile and drone assault on Israel.
Key Takeaways
- New US sanctions target 16 individuals and 2 entities in Iran’s UAV production chain.
- Five steel firms and three subsidiaries of Iran’s Bahman Group also sanctioned.
- Announcement came right after Iran-Oman talks concluded in Tehran.
- Sanctions aim to disrupt Iran’s “destabilizing activity,” says Treasury Secretary Yellen.
Targeting the Drone Supply Chain
The US Treasury Department stated the sanctions focus on actors enabling Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, including engines used in the Shahed drones deployed in the April 13 attack on Israel.
“The action reflects our commitment to disrupt the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activity,” said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Timing Amid Diplomatic Moves
The sanctions were unveiled as G7 foreign ministers gathered in Italy and as Israel weighs its response to the Iranian attack. Notably, the US move followed closely the end of talks in Tehran between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Oman’s Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.
During that meeting, bilateral ties and regional issues, including the Gaza situation, were discussed.
Background: The Triggering Attack
Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel last Saturday, calling it retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, which it blamed on Israel. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by Israeli, US, and allied defenses.
The new sanctions signal continued US pressure on Iran’s military infrastructure, even as diplomatic channels see activity.
