European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the importance of isolating Iran as the EU agreed to broaden sanctions on Iranian producers of drones and missiles after Tehran’s recent attack on Israel.
The decision came during a summit in Brussels, the first meeting of the bloc’s 27 leaders since the unprecedented assault involving more than 300 missiles and drones fired from various locations.
The EU’s move builds on existing sanctions, including those related to Iran’s drone sales to Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
The United States has also hinted at imposing additional penalties soon.
While Iran has defended the attack as retaliation for an alleged Israeli airstrike, world leaders have called for restraint to avoid escalating tensions further in the Middle East.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged de-escalation and cautioned against a massive Israeli response.
Israel has urged its allies to target Tehran’s missile program and designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a step already taken by the US but not yet by the EU and UK.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen mentioned the possibility of disrupting terrorist financing and targeting Iran’s oil exports.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan later specified that the missile and drone program, along with the IRGC and Iranian defense ministry, would be among the areas of focus for new sanctions.
Source-BBC
