UK Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Military Leaders After Attack on Israel

Joint UK and US Sanctions

Britain and America have announced new sanctions targeting the "ringleaders" of Iran’s military in response to the recent missile and drone attack on Israel. Rishi Sunak, the UK's Prime Minister, unveiled the sanctions which include travel bans and asset freezes for seven individuals and six entities involved in Iran’s ‘destabilising regional activity’.

Direct Response to Weekend Attack

The joint move from the UK and US follows the weekend attack on Israel where RAF jets assisted in shooting down around 300 Iranian drones and missiles. Sanctions have been placed on entities such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy and the Khatemolanbia Central Headquarters, responsible for commanding Iran’s armed forces.

Strong Condemnation and Calls for Release

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Iran's attack on Israel as a 'reckless act' and 'dangerous escalation'. Lord Cameron, currently in Capri, Italy, to meet his G7 counterparts, emphasized the need for Iran to release the MSC Aries and its crew immediately and halt its unlawful behavior to avoid further escalation.

US President's Response

US President Joe Biden highlighted the collective commitment to increase economic pressure on Iran after the recent attack and announced new sanctions targeting leaders and entities connected to Iran’s missile and drone programmes.