US imposes sanctions on 16 individuals and two organizations after attacks by Iran

The White House's message after announcing new sanctions and import controls on Iran was clear: the US is committed to Israel’s security and the security of personnel and partners in the region. 

In a statement, President Biden said the US will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold Iran accountable. 

Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel less than a week ago, Biden said, and together with allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. 

"We helped defeat this attack," Biden said. "And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran."

Collective action against Iran

Matthew Miller, State Department spokesperson, said specifically sanctions will target several actions involved in Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle program, suppliers and customers of one of Iran's largest steel producers, and Iranian automobile companies with connections to US-designated entities Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)

Miller said the Department of Treasury is imposing sanctions on 16 individuals and two entities that are enabling Iran's UAV production and testing, ans well as proliferation to actors that work on behalf of the IRGCl its UAV production arm, Kimia Part Sivan Company; and other Iranian manufacturers of UAVs and UAV engines. 

The Department Treasury is also sanctioning five companies that provide component materials for steel production to Iran's Khuzestan steel company or purchase their finished steel products, according to Miller. 

Iranian automaker Bahman Group and three of its subsidiaries which have continued to materially support the IRGC and MODAFL will also be sanctioned. 

Miller added that the Department of Commerce will impose new controls to restrict Iran's access to technologies such as basic commercial-grade microelectronics. These controls also apply to items manufactured outside the US that are produced using US technologies. 

This is in addition to the comprehensive export restrictions already imposed on Iran, including controls targeting Iran's involvement in supplying WAVs in support of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, Miller said .

"We will continue to work with our allies and partners to employ the full range of the tools at our disposal to address the revenue streams and disrupt the networks that support Iran’s reckless proliferation of weapons that destabilize the Middle East and beyond," Miller said. 

Biden said G7 partners are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. He added that allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to "restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs."

"And we will keep at it," Biden said.