US (Washington Insider Magazine) —The United States and European Union are preparing to impose additional sanctions on Iran after its unprecedented attack on Israel, officials said on Tuesday.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that further measures targeting Iran’s missile program, defense ministry, and Revolutionary Guards could be enacted within days. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also confirmed that member states are pushing for expanded sanctions.
Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones toward Israel on Saturday, marking its first direct military strike. Tehran justified the attack as retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its consulate in Syria, attributed to Israel, which killed 13 people, including senior Iranian officials.
Sanction Measures Underway
Yellen noted that Iran’s oil exports might be a target for additional restrictions, emphasizing efforts to cut off financial resources supporting proxy groups and destabilizing activities. The US has already sanctioned over 500 Iranian individuals and entities this year.
“We anticipate allies and partners to follow suit with their own sanctions, further isolating Iran,” Yellen said.
The EU echoed this stance, with Borrell stating that preparatory work for expanded sanctions is underway. Israel has urged allies to specifically target Iran’s missile program and designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization—a step already taken by the US.
International Reactions
World leaders have called for restraint to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid actions that could deepen regional insecurity. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for “reasonable restraint” in discussions with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi.
Iran has declared the matter “concluded” unless provoked further, warning of “extensive and painful” retaliation for any additional Israeli actions.
