Biden slaps MORE sanctions on Iran and its brutal Revolutionary Guard after its missile and drone strike on Israel as Netanyahu prepares to respond
- Biden said the US supports Israeli security and will hold Iran accountable
- However, the president also made it clear that the US does not support Iran’s attack on Israel
- Netanyahu said Israel will defend itself and decide the best way to do so
President Joe Biden’s administration on Thursday announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its production of unarmed aircraft following the missile and drone attack on Israel last weekend.
“Let it be clear to all who enable or support Iran’s attacks: the United States is committed to Israel’s security. We are committed to the safety of our staff and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to hold you accountable,” Biden said in a statement.
His announcement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country reserved the right to protect and would decide how best to do so. Biden has made it clear that the US does not support an Israeli attack on Iran.
“Let it be clear to all who enable or support Iran’s attacks: the United States is committed to Israel’s security,” President Joe Biden said.
Biden’s Treasury Department on Thursday targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran that produce engines that power the drones used in the April 13 attack.
Treasury also imposed sanctions on five companies involved in steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group, which is accused of materially supporting the Iranian military and other sanctioned groups.
“Our actions make it increasingly difficult and expensive for Iran to continue its destabilizing behavior,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
“We will continue to use our sanctions authority to counter Iran with further actions in the coming days and weeks.”
The White House warns that more sanctions may follow.
“These specifically target their drone capabilities and we are keeping the option open for more as we need,” White House spokesman John Kirby said.
In addition, Britain is targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries.
In addition to Treasury Department sanctions, the U.S. Department of Commerce is imposing new controls to restrict Iran’s access to commercial-grade microelectronics, applying to items manufactured outside the U.S. and using U.S. technology have been produced.
Iran sent more than 300 missiles and drones to Israel on Saturday evening. Most were shot.
The president of the European Council also announced on Thursday that new European sanctions would be imposed on Iran’s drone and missile programs as punishment for last weekend’s attack on Israel.
“It is a clear signal that we want to send,” said Charles Michel. “We must isolate Iran.”
The sanctions on Iran came after the April 13 attack on Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) welcomes British Foreign Secretary David Cameron (left) during his official visit to West Jerusalem
Tehran says it launched the April 13 attack in retaliation for Israel’s suspected attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country reserved the right to protect itself after Iran’s unprecedented attack, and that it alone would decide how to do so.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock became the first Western envoys to visit Israel since the attack.
Netanyahu told the visiting ministers that Israel “will reserve the right to protect itself,” his office said.
The pair offered “all kinds of suggestions and advice” during a meeting, Netanyahu said. ‘But I would also like to make it clear: we will make our own decisions.’
Cameron, for his part, said: “We are very keen to avoid escalation and say to our friends in Israel: this is a time to think with your head as well as your heart.”
Baerbock emphasized that “the region must not slide into a situation where the outcome is completely unpredictable.”
Tehran has vowed to strike back if its arch-enemy Israel responds to Saturday’s attack.
The United States has made it clear that it will not join an attack on Iran.
“It’s clear that the Israelis are making a decision to act,” Cameron told the BBC.
“We hope they do that in a way that causes this to escalate as little as possible.”