The US and UK on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran as concern grows that Tehran's unprecedented attack on Israel could fuel a wider war in the Middle East, per the AP. The US Department of the Treasury'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. OFAC also sanctioned five firms involved in steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group, which is accused of materially supporting Iran's military and other sanctioned groups. A representative from Bahman wasn't immediately available for comment. Additionally, the UK is targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals, and entities involved in Iran's drone and ballistic missile industries.
President Biden said in a statement that he'd directed the US Treasury "to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran's military industries." "Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran's attacks," he said. "We will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable." In addition to Treasury's sanctions, the US Commerce Department is imposing new controls to restrict Iran's access to basic commercial-grade microelectronics, which apply to items manufactured outside the US that are produced using US technology. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill also have been quickly pushing forward legislation that would financially punish the Islamic republic and its leaders.
European Union leaders also vowed on Wednesday to ramp up sanctions on Iran, targeting its drone and missile deliveries to proxies in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the existing EU sanctions would be strengthened and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. At the same time, he said, Israel needed to exercise restraint following its alleged strike on the Iran Consulate in Syria earlier this month. "I don't want to exaggerate, but we are on the edge of a war, a regional war in the Middle East, which will be sending shock waves to the rest of the world, and in particular to Europe," Borrell warned. "So stop it." (More sanctions stories.)