UK announces sanctions on Iranian military as Rishi Sunak vows to target ‘ringleaders’ behind missile blitz on Israel
BRITAIN and America have imposed new sanctions against the “ringleaders” of Iran’s military following the missile and drone attack on Israel, Rishi Sunak has announced.
Seven individuals and six entities such as the country’s operational command centre have been targeted after helping Iran conduct ‘destabalising regional activity’.
Those named are subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze with the organisations listed will have an asset freeze.
The intervention comes after more than 400 sanctions have already been imposed on Iran including the Revolutionary Guard.
The joint move from the UK and US is a direct response to the attacks at the weekend where RAF jets helped shoot down some 300 Iranian drones and missiles.
The sanctions have been imposed on the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy and the Khatemolanbia Central Headquarters who are responsible for the command of the country’s armed forces.
The IRGC Navy were embroiled in taking hold of the civilian MSC Aries in international waters and also threatened military action against Israel.
Iranian defence minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Major-General Gholamali Rashid, commander of Iran’s central military headquarters, are among those now subject to UK sanctions.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Iranian regime’s attack against Israel was a reckless act and a dangerous escalation.
“Today we have sanctioned the ringleaders of the Iranian military and forces responsible for the weekend’s attack.
“These sanctions – announced with the US – show we unequivocally condemn this behaviour, and they will further limit Iran’s ability to destabilise the region.”
Lord Cameron, who is currently in Capri, Italy, to meet his G7 counterparts, said the sanctions demonstrate the UK’s and US “unequivocal condemnation” of the Israel attack.
He added: “At a time of great tension in the Middle East, Iran’s decision to launch hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel carried with it a serious risk of thousands of civilian casualties and wider escalation for the region
“The sanctions announced today alongside the US demonstrate our unequivocal condemnation of Iran’s attack on a sovereign state.
“The MSC Aries and its crew should be released immediately, and Iran should halt its reckless and unlawful behaviour. Further escalation is in no one’s interest.”
Washington targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran who produce engines for the drones deployed in the assault on Israel.
US President Joe Biden said: “Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel.
“Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable – imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.
“The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defence Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone programme that enabled this brazen assault.
“As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran.
“And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilising military programmes.”