Mon Nov 18 20:41:43 UTC 2024: ## Netanyahu Claims Israeli Strikes Hit Iran’s Nuclear Program as EU and UK Tighten Sanctions

**Brussels/Tel Aviv** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Monday that a recent Israeli air strike on Iran targeted a component of its nuclear program, degrading its capabilities. While he didn’t specify the targeted element, he assured the Knesset that the attack, carried out on October 26th, also damaged three Russian-supplied S-300 air defense systems near Tehran. Iran has not commented on these claims. Netanyahu’s statement comes as the European Union and the United Kingdom announced expanded sanctions against Iran for allegedly supplying Russia with weapons used in the war in Ukraine.

The October 26th strikes, comprising three waves of attacks, targeted Iranian military assets. Netanyahu described the operation as a response to previous Iranian missile attacks on Israel. While US President Joe Biden previously stated he wouldn’t support an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, Netanyahu’s declaration represents a significant escalation of the conflict.

The EU’s new sanctions prohibit the export of missile and drone components to Iran and ban transactions with ports used to supply Russia with such weaponry. Several Iranian entities, including the state-run shipping company IRISL, and individuals were also targeted. The UK mirrored these actions, imposing sanctions on IRISL and Iran Air for allegedly transporting military supplies to Russia. Iranian officials have vehemently denied these accusations, calling the EU sanctions baseless.

The escalating tensions come amidst ongoing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently assured the IAEA of Iran’s willingness to address concerns about its nuclear capabilities. However, the conflicting narratives surrounding the Israeli airstrikes and the new sanctions suggest a significant impasse remains. The situation highlights the precarious balance of power in the Middle East and the increasingly complex interplay between regional conflicts and international relations.

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