US and UK extend sanctions against Iran
By Ruth Comerford
The US and UK have imposed a new wave of sanctions against Iran, following its drone attack on Israel.
Washington targeted 16 people and two entities that produce engines for the drones.
The UK Foreign Office imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on seven individuals and six entities, including those involved in drone and missile programmes.
Both countries already have hundreds of sanctions in place against Iran.
The latest move follows Israel’s call for support from the international community after Iran’s direct assault on Saturday, involving more than 300 missiles and drones fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Almost all were downed by Israel and its allies.
Tehran has maintained the attack was in retaliation for a presumed Israeli air strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April, in which 13 people were killed.
The US sanctions target Iran’s drone programme, its steel producers and vehicle companies connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defence.
