The United States announced its intention to impose sanctions targeting Iran’s missile and drone program, as well as the Revolutionary Guard and defense ministry, within the next few days. The move comes in response to Tehran’s recent large-scale air attack on Israel over the weekend.
Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, revealed this decision on the same day Germany indicated expectations of coordinated European Union sanctions against Iran. Allies are rushing to impose economic penalties on Iran while urging Israel to refrain from military retaliation that could escalate into a full-blown war. Sullivan also mentioned plans to expand regional air defense and early warning systems to counter future attacks.
As Israel’s war cabinet convened for the third consecutive day to deliberate on its response to the Iranian assault—launched in retaliation for Israel’s strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria—international pressure mounted on Israel to exercise restraint and avoid actions leading to regional conflict.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged urgent de-escalation during a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian. Meanwhile, the Israeli government assured Washington of a measured response aimed at limiting further escalation. However, any direct attack on Iranian territory could face complications due to the US’s refusal to participate and the reluctance of Israel’s Arab neighbors to permit its planes to fly over their territory.
While urging restraint from Israel, Washington reassured its Middle Eastern ally of broad support in defending against Iranian attacks. Sullivan stated, “In the coming days, the US will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone program, as well as new sanctions against entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defense Ministry.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, announced her visit to Israel to discuss strategies for preventing further escalation in the region. Baerbock noted European readiness to swiftly expand sanctions against Tehran, possibly within days.
With Israel considering its response to the Iranian airstrikes, governments, including Germany’s, are increasingly advocating for new international sanctions to avert a dangerous escalation.
Potential targets for expanded sanctions include entities involved in Iran’s drone production, which were utilized in the recent attack and have been deployed against Ukraine by Russia.
Israeli military officials affirmed that a response to the Iranian strike is forthcoming, emphasizing that timing is of strategic importance. However, delays in Israel’s response could diminish its impact.
The Iranian attack, launched overnight on Saturday, added to Israel’s existing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, heightening concerns about the war’s spread.
Iran has portrayed its attack as a limited and justified response to Israeli actions, aiming to avoid escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed of Tehran’s intentions during a recent phone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Discussing the prospect of sanctions, Baerbock emphasized the EU’s readiness to extend existing sanctions against Iran’s drone production.
These remarks coincided with suggestions from the US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, regarding potential expansion of US sanctions against Iran. Yellen underscored the importance of ensuring sanctions do not hinder life-saving aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
Yellen is expected to urge fellow international finance ministers to consider coordinated sanctions during the annual spring IMF meetings in Washington this week.
Reports from Gaza indicate Israeli military activity, with tanks reentering northern areas and airstrikes targeting the southern territory. The situation remains tense, with residents facing ongoing violence and disruptions to essential services.
