US imposes new sanctions on Iran

CNN (US) reported that Washington's new round of sanctions targets 16 individuals and two entities related to Iran's drone program. This move is to punish Iran after the country launched missiles and drones to attack Israel on the night of April 13.

The new sanctions target the head of an Iranian drone engine manufacturer, Shahad-131, and also target engine maintenance companies. The Treasury Department also said it would sanction five companies involved in Iran’s steel industry and three subsidiaries of an Iranian automaker.

The new sanctions are an effort by the US to cut off supplies to Iran's missile and drone programs and isolate the country on the world stage.

But according to CNN, the new sanctions are also a signal from the US and its top allies to Israel that retaliation against Iran does not necessarily require a military response.

In a statement accompanying the announcement of the new sanctions, President Joe Biden said the US would “not hesitate” to hold Iran accountable.

In a phone call on the evening of April 13, President Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not take part in offensive action against Iran. Instead, the White House made clear that it intended to punish Iran economically.