EU prepares new sanctions after Iran attack on Israel
In response to the large-scale Iranian air attack on Israel, the EU will impose sanctions on the companies that Tehran needs for the production of drones and missiles, European Council president Charles Michel said on Wednesday evening.
"We have decided to impose sanctions on Iran. We want to send a clear signal," Michel announced after the first day of a summit of European leaders in Brussels. “The idea is to target companies that are needed for drones and missiles."
European leaders condemn the Iranian attack on Israel and call on the regime in Tehran and its allies to stop all attacks. All parties to the conflict are asked to show "the utmost restraint" and not take actions that would further stoke the flames in the region.
Iran launched an unprecedented attack with drones and missiles on Israel from its own territory during the night of Saturday to Sunday. The attack was in retaliation for the deadly airstrike on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus, an operation blamed on the Israeli army.
Israel, in turn, is now looking for a retaliatory action, but the EU hopes for de-escalation. German chancellor Olaf Scholz argued earlier in the day that Israel should use the successful defence of the Iranian attack "to strengthen its own position in the entire region". On this basis, "a corresponding military response would certainly not be appropriate", he said.
European Council president Charles Michel © PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP
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