The entire Middle East is reeling in the aftermath of Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israeli territory. On Saturday, Israel issued warnings of retaliatory strikes after facing a barrage of over 200 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv. However, the White House asserted its stance against joining Israel in any such retaliatory action, opting instead to explore avenues for imposing new sanctions on Iran in collaboration with Western allies.

In response to the Iranian attack, Western leaders called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the organization, urging both parties to exercise restraint during the meeting.

Israel's primary ally, the United States, translated its warning into concrete action by imposing sanctions on individuals and entities associated with Iran's drone production, particularly the Shahed-131 drone. The US Treasury Department announced sanctions on two individuals and 16 other Iranians, alongside sanctioning five companies linked to Iran's steel industry and drone engine servicing in the Middle East.

This move is viewed as a concerted effort by the European Union and the United States to rein in Iran's missile and drone programs, signaling a unified stance against Iran's destabilizing activities in the region.

In a statement, US President Joe Biden underscored his country's unwavering commitment to Israel's security, emphasizing that the United States will hold Iran accountable for its actions. The statement reaffirmed the United States' steadfast support for Israel amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.