Trump Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Iran

US President Donald Trump has instructed the Treasury Department to “substantially increase” sanctions on Iran; this, in the wake of Saturday’s Tehran-attributed attack on two Saudi oil facilities that cut the kingdom’s output by almost half. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was quick to respond, saying in a video message: “Iran’s aggression has increased of late, including in the Gulf, and this is precisely the time to increase pressure and sanctions. I am pleased President Trump has done exactly this.” A senior US official earlier this week claimed that the attack emanated from Iranian territory and included the use of cruise missiles and numerous drones. A Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman on Wednesday said that, “the attack was launched from the north and unquestionably sponsored by Iran. We are working to know the exact launch point.” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was dispatched to Riyadh this week and met with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Thereafter, Pompeo expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s “right to defend itself,” and reiterated that Tehran’s regional expansionism and military interventions would “not be tolerated.” US representatives are expected to provide evidence of the Islamic Republic’s involvement in last weekend’s assault at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.