Topline
The United States will bring new sanctions against Iran, including its missile and drone program, according to a statement from the White House, days after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel.
Key Facts
The sanctions, which will arrive in the coming days, will target Iran’s missile and drone program and entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s Defense Ministry, according to the statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Sullivan said he anticipates similar sanctions from allies and partners and that the White House is working with the Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command to bolster air and missile defense and early warning systems throughout the Middle East.
99% of the missiles and drones launched as part of Iran’s strike against Israel were intercepted, with minor damage to an air base being sustained, according to the Associated Press.
Sullivan said the White House will not hesitate to continue to take action against the Iranian government.
What To Watch For
Israel has indicated it intends to retaliate against Iran for the drone attack. However, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told NBC News the U.S. was not seeking war against Iran despite supporting Israel.
Key Background
Tensions between Israel and Iran ratcheted up further after the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria early this month that killed two high ranking commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran blamed Israel for the strike but Israel has not claimed responsibility. Iran’s response, more than 300 drones and missiles launched at Israel, was largely thwarted. The U.S. helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles, the AP reported. It is unclear when or how Israel may retaliate to the drone strike, though U.S. officials told multiple outlets they expect an Israeli response to be “limited” in scope.
Further Reading
How Will Israel Respond To Iran’s Weekend Attack? Here’s What We Know (Forbes)
U.S. Privately Warns Israel About Retaliating Against Iran—But Won’t Publicly (Forbes)