WASHINGTON — The US and Britain imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran on Thursday as concerns grow that Tehran’s unprecedented attack on Israel could spark a wider war in the Middle East.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran that produce engines that power the drones used in the April 13 attack on Israel. In addition, Britain is targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries.
“We will continue to use our sanctions authority to counter Iran with additional actions in the coming days and weeks,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
The move comes after US officials warned earlier this week that they were preparing new sanctions in response to Iranian activities in the region and to prevent future attacks. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill also quickly proposed legislation that would financially punish the Islamic Republic and its leaders.
The Iranian attack on Israel early Sunday was in response to what was reportedly an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month. Israel’s military chief said Monday his country will respond to the Iranian attack as world leaders warn of retaliation, trying to prevent a spiral of violence.
European Union leaders also vowed Wednesday to step up sanctions on Iran, targeting drone and missile deliveries to allies in Gaza, Yemen and Lebanon.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the existing EU sanctions regime will be strengthened and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. At the same time, he said Israel must show restraint.
“I don’t want to exaggerate, but we are on the brink of a war, a regional war in the Middle East, which will send shock waves to the rest of the world, and in particular to Europe,” he warned. “So stop it.”