In response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel, both the United States and the European Union are actively considering the imposition of additional sanctions on Tehran. This move comes after a weekend assault that saw a barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, most of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has signaled forthcoming action, stating that she anticipates taking measures “in the coming days.” Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has affirmed that the bloc is actively engaged in this matter.
Israel has been vocal in urging its allies to sanction Iran’s missile program. Notably, United Nations sanctions tied to the program expired in October, yet several nations, including the US, EU, and UK, have continued to uphold and expand sanctions.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military’s chief of staff, asserted on Monday that Iran’s assault would not be left unanswered. The attack was purportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Syria earlier in April, which resulted in 13 casualties.
Israel’s response, however, has been primarily diplomatic thus far. The country’s foreign minister has appealed to more than 30 nations to enforce sanctions on Iran’s missile program and has advocated for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move already undertaken by the US but not yet by the UK.
US Treasury Secretary Yellen, speaking on the matter, emphasized that additional sanctions against Iran are under consideration, with a focus on disrupting terrorist financing. She highlighted the possibility of addressing Iran’s oil exports, noting that despite existing sanctions, Iran continues to export oil, suggesting potential further action in this domain.
