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EU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack: Will new measures deter further escalation?
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called the recent attack on Israel "limited" and "punitive"
The European Union (EU) has decided to expand sanctions against Iranian drone and missile manufacturers. This decision comes after Iran’s latest attack on Israel, which featured more than 300 missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
The majority of these rockets were intercepted by Israel and its allies. With the ongoing tensions, how will world powers handle the intricacies of Iran’s recent aggression?
The facts
European Council President Charles Michel emphasised the need of isolating Iran, saying, “It’s very important to do everything to isolate Iran.”
The EU already has a number of restrictions in place against Iran, including penalties relating to the sale of drones to Russia in response to its conflict with Ukraine.
The decision to impose further sanctions was decided at a summit in Brussels, the first meeting of the EU’s 27 leaders since Iran’s direct assault on Israel.
Tehran alleges the attack was in revenge for an alleged Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria, which caused deaths.
Despite Israel’s diplomatic response thus far, it has not ruled out taking additional action in retaliation to the strike.
Global leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have urged moderation to avoid a larger conflict in the Middle East.
The arguments
Leaders, including Chancellor Scholz, have stressed on the necessity of exploiting the current situation to de-escalate. They urge Israel not to undertake a massive reaction, which would increase regional tensions.
Call for sanctions.
Israel has urged its allies to put sanctions on Iran’s missile programme and classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. While the United States has taken such moves, the European Union and the United Kingdom have not.
Continued pressure
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has confirmed that all measures for disrupting Iran’s terrorist financing remain on the table. This includes the possibility of targeting Iran’s oil exports, indicating continuous measures to put economic pressure on Tehran.
The scope of sanctions
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has stated that additional penalties will target Iran’s missile and drone programmes, as well as the IRGC and the Iranian Defence Ministry. This emphasises the importance of taking a holistic approach to dealing with Iran’s activities, which Western powers regard as worrisome.
