The US on Tuesday (April 16, 2024) said it will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone programme, against entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defence Ministry.

"We anticipate that our allies and partners will soon be following with their own sanctions. In addition, we continue to work through the Department of Defence and U.S. Central Command to further strengthen and expand the successful integration of air and missile defence and early warning systems across the Middle East to further erode the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and UAV capabilities," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

" These new sanctions and other measures will continue a steady drumbeat of pressure to contain and degrade Iran’s military capacity and effectiveness and confront the full range of its problematic behaviours," he said.

" Over the last three years, in addition to missile and drone-related sanctions, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities connected to terrorism, terrorist financing and other forms of illicit trade, horrific human rights abuses, and support for proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah," he said.

He said: " We will not hesitate to continue to take action, in coordination with allies and partners around the world, and with Congress, to hold the Iranian government accountable for its malicious and destabilising actions."

Rishi Sunak-Benjamin Netanyahu discusses Middle East conflict

British PM Rishi Sunak and his Israel counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu discussed significant escalation in the Middle East was in no one’s interest and would only deepen insecurity in the region.

"This was a moment for calm heads to prevail," read a statement issued by the British PM's office.

He reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security and for wider regional stability.

"On Gaza, the Prime Minister said he remained gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis. The UK wanted to see a massive step change in aid access to flood Gaza with vital supplies, including Israel opening up new aid routes as quickly as possible," the statement said.

Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff gives strong message

Amid escalating tension in the Middle East, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has warned that Iran's attack on his country will be 'met with a response'.

He made the remarks while visiting Nevatim Airbase in Israel where four Iranian ballistic missiles hit on Saturday (April 13, 2024).

“Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel — that is something that had not happened before. We were prepared for the ‘Iron Shield’ operation — preparation that brought Iran to also encounter aerial superiority,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel.

“We are looking ahead, we are considering our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response,” he added.