EU to Consider Heavier Sanctions on Iran Following Aerial Attack on Israel
BRUSSELS — In response to Saturday’s aerial attack on Israel, the European Union is gearing up to impose stricter sanctions on Iran, announced the bloc’s top diplomat.
Expanding Sanctions
After an emergency virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers on Tuesday, Josep Borrell revealed plans to explore expanding existing sanctions on Iranian drone technology. This move would broaden the current sanctions, established in July 2023 to penalize Iran for supporting Putin’s war efforts with unmanned drones, to include missiles and Iran’s proxies in the region.
Push for Listing Revolutionary Guard
The possibility of designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization is also on the table, although Borrell noted the challenges due to the lack of direct terrorist activities associated with the military branch in EU member states.
Call for Restraint
EU foreign ministers are urging all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in the Middle East conflict. While reaffirming support for Israel’s security, the ministers are cautioning against actions that could lead to an all-out war.
Previous Sanctions and Recent Developments
The EU has already imposed sanctions on Iran for various reasons, including human rights violations and export restrictions on drone components used in warfare. The recent attack on Israel by Iran using drones and missiles has prompted discussions on expanding sanctions in response.
Pressure on Iran
Israel’s foreign minister has called for broader sanctions on Iran’s missile program and listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group. Borrell mentioned the possibility of reimposing nuclear-related sanctions on Iran as another tool to exert pressure.
Upcoming EU Summit
EU leaders are set to convene in Brussels for a summit where the situation in the Middle East will be a key topic of discussion. The EU’s response to Iran’s actions and potential sanctions will be a focal point of the summit.
