UK sanctions Iranian military figures, organizations following attack on Israel

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UK announced sanctions on Monday targeting Iranian individuals and organizations over Iran’s Oct. 1 attack against Israel.

New sanctions target senior figures in the Islamic republic's army, air force and organizations linked to its ballistic and cruise missile development, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"The package will also designate Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that can be used in cruise missiles, as well as the Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in ballistic missile development," read the statement.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Iran and its proxies are "driving further escalation" in the Middle East.

"Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts," he said in the statement.

"Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran’s unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region."

According to the foreign secretary, Abdolrahim Mousavi, commander-in chief of Iranian army and a member of Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad-Hossein Dadras, deputy commander-in chief of the army, Hamid Vahedi, commander of air force and Mohammad Kazemi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence chief, are among the individuals sanctioned.

The Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau and the Iranian Space Agency are also subject to an asset freeze.

The UK already has over 400 sanctions imposed on Iran, including designations against the IRGC in its entirety.

Israel continues its air and ground attacks into Lebanon, while also conducting strikes in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Iran launched missiles into Israel in retaliation for assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran would "pay" for the attacks.