US announces new sanctions against Iran after strike against Israel

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announces a series of sweeping sanctions targeting leaders and entities tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran’s defense ministry and its missile and drone program following last weekend’s missile and drone attack against Israel.

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities that it says enable Iran’s UAV production and testing as well as proliferation to actors that work on behalf of the IRGC.

The Treasury Department is also sanctioning five companies that provide or purchase steel production materials to Iran’s Khuzestan Steel Company (KSC), a US-designated entity.

It is also sanctioning Iranian automaker Bahman Group and three of its subsidiaries, “which have continued to materially support the IRGC and other designated entities,” the State Department says.

The US Commerce Department is simultaneously imposing new controls to restrict Iran’s access to technologies, the State Department adds.

The UK is concurrently imposing sanctions targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved in Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile industries, the Treasury Department adds.

“Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s 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,” US President Joe Biden says in a statement announcing the sanctions.

“As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs,” he says, pointing out that his administration has already sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities tied to Iran.