US slaps new sanctions on Iran's drone program as Israel considers response to weekend attack
Source: CNN Politics
Updated 9:49 AM EDT, Thu April 18, 2024
Washington CNN The United States slapped new sanctions Thursday on 16 people and two entities associated with Irans drone program as it looks to punish Tehran for last weekends attack on Israel.
The sanctions target executives of an engine manufacturer that supplies Irans Shahad-131 drones, which were used in the onslaught, as well as companies that service the engines and individuals associated with providing the drones to Iranian proxy forces throughout the Middle East.
The Treasury Department also said it was punishing five companies associated with Irans steel industry and three subsidiaries of an Iranian automaker. The new sanctions, which were coordinated with European allies, are an effort to cut off supplies to Irans missile and drone program and to isolate the country on the global stage. But they are also a signal to Israel from the United States and its top allies that countering Irans latest aggression doesnt necessarily require a military response.
In a statement accompanying the announcement of the sanctions, President Joe Biden said the US will not hesitate to hold Iran accountable. Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Irans attacks: The United States is committed to Israels security. We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable, Biden said.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/18/politics/us-sanctions-iran/index.html