"US Imminent Comprehensive Sanctions on Iran Drones and Guided Missiles"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] U.S. authorities are expected to impose comprehensive sanctions targeting Iran's drone and guided missile systems.

On the 29th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing government sources, reported that "the U.S. government may implement sanctions directly targeting the procurement system of parts used by Iran for developing drones and guided missiles."

A government official said regarding the announcement of these sanctions, "Iran's drones pose a threat to regional allies," adding, "This is a comprehensive response to Iran's threats."

Previously, the Joe Biden administration indicated a policy to partially lift sanctions to induce Iran's return to the nuclear agreement. However, Iran has stated that all sanctions imposed by the U.S. must be lifted collectively for it to return to the nuclear deal, leading to a stalemate in the restoration talks between the two countries.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, it is reported that the U.S. government plans to continue sanctions on Iran's guided missile programs separately from the nuclear issue.

A U.S. government official said, "The threat from Iran's missile systems is a matter separate from the nuclear issue, so sanctions targeting Iran's missile systems should not be interpreted as an attempt to hinder the restoration talks of the nuclear agreement."

Earlier, the U.S. Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on the Yemeni Houthi rebels supported by Iran, citing the rebels' use of Iranian drones.

The reason the U.S. views Iran's drones and missile weapons as threatening factors is analyzed to be due to Iran's recent advancement of its weapon systems and the increasing possibility of military conflicts with regional countries.

In 2019, Iran attacked Saudi Arabia's oil production facilities?the world's largest crude oil exporter?with drones, damaging oil drilling facilities, which caused Brent crude prices to surge 15% in a single day.

Additionally, the Palestinian armed group Hamas is also known to receive support from Iran and use Iranian drone weapons.

According to WSJ, as U.S. sanctions pressure intensified, Iran established facilities within its territory to directly produce drone weapons and has been importing parts for drone development through illegal distribution channels.

WSJ reported that the U.S. government appears to be preparing sanctions that can directly block these parts import routes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.