US, Allies To Slap More Sanctions Against Iran's Missile And Drone Programs Amid Rising Middle-East Tensions

The United States, alongside its allies, is preparing to announce new sanctions targeting Iran’s missile and drone programs, a move that underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

What Happened: The United States is set to introduce fresh sanctions aimed at Iran’s missile and drone activities, with expectations that its allies will join the initiative, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The announcement was made by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Tuesday, who indicated that these measures are imminent. This move aligns with earlier comments from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who at a Washington news conference, emphasized the U.S. commitment to disrupting Iran’s “malign and destabilizing activity” through sanctions and collaboration with allies.

Yellen also mentioned that all options were being considered to interrupt Iran’s “terrorist financing” and projected that additional sanctions would be disclosed shortly. Meanwhile, in Brussels, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell revealed after an EU foreign ministers’ meeting that some member states had requested an expansion of sanctions against Iran. Borrell confirmed that the EU would start drafting a proposal to broaden the existing sanctions regime.

The proposed expansion would not only target the supply of Iranian drones to Russia but also include missile provisions and possibly extend to Iranian proxies in the Middle East. In a concerted effort, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has been actively seeking support from 32 countries to impose sanctions on Iran’s missile program and to endorse the designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

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Why It Matters: Recent events have significantly heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Following a direct attack on Israeli soil involving missiles and drones, which Iran claimed as retaliation, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to deliberate a response. This attack marked a notable escalation in the conflict between the two nations.

Moreover, amid these tensions, China has affirmed its support for Tehran, strengthening bilateral ties and signaling its readiness to collaborate across various sectors. This support from China comes at a critical juncture, potentially influencing the geopolitical landscape and the balance of power in the region.

The possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran has been a subject of concern, with recent attacks suggesting a shift in the conflict dynamics and serious impending implications.

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