US sanctions Iranian entities linked to its drone production

Acting in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, US has targeted individuals and entities aiding Iran’s drone production, as per a release by the Department of the Treasury.This comes a day after the White House said that US President Joe Biden and allies will discuss imposing sanctions on the West Asian nation that has been engulfed in tensions with Israel after the latter attacked Tehran's consulate in Syria.

The sanctions target "16 individuals and two entities enabling Iran’s UAV production, including engine types that power Iran’s Shahed variant UAVs, which were used in the April 13 attack." In addition to this, G7 member United Kingdom has also imposed sanctions on numerous Iranian military firms and individuals which are linked with Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries.

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Secretary of the Treasury Janet L Yellen said, “Today, in coordination with the United Kingdom and in consultation with partners and allies, we are taking swift and decisive action to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel. We’re using Treasury’s economic tools to degrade and disrupt key aspects of Iran’s malign activity, including its UAV program and the revenue the regime generates to support its terrorism."

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In his statement on Iran sanctions, Biden warned everyone who supported attacks carried out by the West Asian nation and said that Washington would ensure Israel’s security.

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"We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable," Biden said, as per White House.

As the tension in West Asia escalated after Israel-Iran strikes, Indian authorities also engaged with Iranian and Israeli counterparts.External Affairs Minister Jaishankar held talks with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in connection with the ongoing crisis.

Moreover, the minister also held discussions with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz where he spoke on the "larger regional situation" amid the tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)