The United States and its allies are poised to implement new sanctions against Iran in response to its unprecedented attack on Israel. The aim is to deter Israel from escalating the conflict further, as their war cabinet prepares to convene for a response. Despite the attack on Saturday causing minimal damage and no casualties due to effective air defenses, it has heightened concerns about broader violence stemming from the ongoing Gaza conflict, potentially leading to a direct confrontation between Iran and Israel.
Israel's military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, has promised a response to Iran's launch of over 300 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones towards Israeli territory. The war cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday was postponed to Wednesday. In an effort to prevent significant retaliation by Israel, the United States and Europe are proposing tougher economic and political sanctions against Iran.
The U.S. plans to introduce new sanctions targeting Iran's missile and drone program, with expectations that allies will follow suit. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the need to disrupt Iran's destabilizing activities, including terrorist financing. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced plans to expand sanctions on Iran, potentially covering missile deliveries to Iranian proxies in the Middle East.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz is leading diplomatic efforts, urging 32 countries to impose sanctions on Iran's missile program and designate the Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in an Israeli counter-strike.
Leaders from various countries, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, have called for restraint to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation has alarmed Iranians who are already facing economic hardship and increased social and political controls. The conflict in Gaza has led to clashes between Israel and Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. Overall, there are growing concerns about the potential for wider regional instability and the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.