U.S. Treasury Secretary: We Use Sanctions to Disrupt Iran's Destabilizing Activities

Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated on Tuesday, April 17, that Iran's attack on Israel and its financing of militia groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq pose a threat to the stability and economy of the Middle East. Yellen referred to what she called the 'unprecedented attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy forces,' stating that the U.S. Treasury will utilize its sanctioning powers and continue to work with allies to 'disrupt the malign and destabilizing activities of the Iranian regime.' The U.S. Treasury announced that the United States will employ financial sanctions to isolate the Islamic Republic of Iran and disrupt its ability to finance its proxy groups and support Russia's war in Ukraine. Yellen noted that since the Biden administration took office in January 2020, the Treasury has targeted over 500 individuals and entities linked to terrorism and the financing of terrorism by the 'Iranian regime' and its allies. She added that the sanctions cover Iran's missile and drone programs and the Islamic Republic's ability to finance Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iraqi militia groups. Without providing details, Yellen stated, 'The actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, from the attack last weekend on Israel to the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea, threaten regional stability and could lead to economic spillover.' Speaking at a press conference for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, Yellen said Washington will continue to use economic tools to pressure Hamas but emphasized that U.S. sanctions should not hinder essential humanitarian aid. She also called for immediate action to end the 'suffering' of Palestinians. Yellen mentioned that Washington is also using sanctions to target settler violence in the West Bank and will work to ensure an efficient banking system there and support IMF programs in Jordan and Egypt.