In a move to isolate Iran following its unprecedented attack on Israel, the European Union has agreed to broaden sanctions targeting Iranian producers of drones and missiles.
European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the importance of taking action against Iran.
The EU already maintains various sanctions against Iran, including for selling drones to Russia. The United States has also hinted at imposing additional penalties in the near future.
These new EU sanctions were decided upon during a summit in Brussels, the first meeting among the bloc’s 27 leaders since Iran’s recent direct assault on Israel.
The attack involved numerous missiles and drones fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, most of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies.
Tensions escalated as Iran claimed the assault was in response to a supposed Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria.
While Israel has refrained from direct military retaliation thus far, calls for restraint from global leaders aim to prevent a broader conflict in the region.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged further de-escalation and advised Israel to use diplomatic success to bolster its regional standing rather than resort to massive retaliation.
Israel has urged allies to target Iran’s missile program and designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move previously taken by the US but not by the EU and UK.
The EU’s existing measures against Iran encompass human rights violations, nuclear activities, and military support for Russia.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the consideration of all options to disrupt the financing of terrorism from Iran.
