WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� The U.S. and U.K. on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran as concern grows that Tehran鈥檚 in the Middle East.
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 . OFAC also sanctioned five firms involved in steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group 鈥� which is accused of materially supporting Iran's military and other sanctioned groups. A representative from Bahman was not immediately available for comment.
Additionally, the U.K. is targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved in Iran鈥檚 drone and ballistic missile industries.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he had directed U.S. Treasury 鈥渢o continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran鈥檚 military industries.鈥�
鈥淟et it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran鈥檚 attacks,鈥� he said, 鈥渨e will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.鈥�
In addition to Treasury's sanctions, the U.S. Commerce Department is imposing new controls to restrict Iran鈥檚 access to basic commercial grade microelectronics, which apply to items manufactured outside the U.S. that are produced using U.S. technology.
The actions come after U.S. officials earlier this week new sanctions in response to Iran鈥檚 activity in the region and to prevent future attacks. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill also have been quickly pushing forward legislation that would financially punish the Islamic Republic and its leaders.
Iran鈥檚 attack on Israel early Sunday came in response to what it says was an Israeli strike on Iran鈥檚 consulate in Syria earlier this month. Israel鈥檚 military chief said Monday that his country will respond to the Iranian attack, while world leaders caution against retaliation, trying to avoid a spiral of violence.
European Union leaders 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 regime 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.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to exaggerate, but we are on the edge of a war, a regional war in the Middle East, which will be sending shockwaves to the rest of the world, and in particular to Europe,鈥� he warned. 鈥淪o stop it.鈥�
Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press
