US and EU Ramp Up Sanctions on Iran Amid Drone Attack Accusations

The United States and European Union have increased sanctions on Iran in response to recent drone attacks on Israel. However, US President Joe Biden faces accusations of not implementing these sanctions strictly enough.

Why this matters: The escalation of sanctions against Iran has significant implications for global security and the balance of power in the Middle East. The effectiveness of these measures will influence the trajectory of Iran's military capabilities and regional influence, with potential consequences for international relations and conflict.

Television commentator Morgan Ortagus claimed that Biden allowed UN sanctions on Iran's drones and ballistic missiles to expire, but this is false. The UN arms embargo against Iran actually expired on October 18, 2020, before Biden took office.

Biden has also been accused of making direct payments and relaxing sanctions on Tehran since taking office, allegedly enabling Iran's attack on Israel. While Biden has repeatedly ordered the suspension of Iran sanctions, no direct link has been shown between the sanctions relief and Iran's recent actions against Israel.

The US has increased sanctions against Iran several times since 1979. In recent months, Biden issued waivers allowing Russian, Chinese, and European companies to negotiate with Iran; unblocked Iranian assets in Iraq; allowed Tehran access to frozen oil funds in South Korea in exchange for releasing US hostages; and permitted Iran to access another $10 billion in assets.

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated, "And as for this unfreezing, that none of that fund, none of those funds, funds set up in an account by the way by the previous administration, goes directly to the Supreme Leader of the IRGC. It can only be used for humanitarian purposes. And we're watching that account very, very closely to make sure that that's what happens."

However, sanctions expert Claude Rakisits disagrees, arguing that the money will facilitate Tehran's ability to buy and produce arms. Despite international sanctions, Iran's economy has proven resilient in recent years, though sanctions have reduced investment and led to joblessness and poverty.

President Biden declared, "During my Administration, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities, including Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah. And we will keep at it. I've directed my team, including the Department of the Treasury, to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran's military industries."

As tensions remain high, the US and EU continue to utilize sanctions as a key tool to pressure Iran. The full impact and effectiveness of these measures in curtailing Iran's military capabilities and regional influence remain to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• US and EU increase sanctions on Iran in response to drone attacks on Israel.
• President Biden faces accusations of not implementing sanctions strictly enough.
• Claims that Biden allowed UN sanctions on Iran's drones and missiles to expire are false.
• Biden has suspended Iran sanctions, but no direct link to Iran's recent actions against Israel.
• Effectiveness of sanctions in curtailing Iran's military capabilities and influence remains to be seen.