The European Union expanded its sanctions against Iran in response to the country’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This includes targeting Iranian ports and vessels linked to the transfer of drones and missiles to Russia.
In a move condemned by Tehran, the 27-nation bloc has prohibited the export, transfer, supply, or sale of components used to manufacture missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Iran.
The EU also banned transactions with ports “owned, operated or controlled” by individuals and entities already sanctioned, or those used to supply Russia with drones, missiles, and related technology.
The sanctions specifically target Iranian ports such as Amirabad and Anzali, located on the Caspian Sea, where the provision of services to vessels will be restricted.
The EU clarified that assistance could still be provided to vessels under certain circumstances, such as for maritime safety.
Additionally, the EU imposed measures against Iran’s state-run shipping company IRISL, its director Mohammad Reza Khiabani, and three Russian shipping companies accused of facilitating the transport of weapons across the Caspian Sea.
These measures complement previous sanctions on Iranian officials and entities accused of supporting Russia’s war effort.
In tandem with the EU’s actions, the United Kingdom also expanded its sanctions on Iran.
Britain froze the assets of IRISL and Iran Air for their role in transporting ballistic missiles and military supplies to Russia.
The UK government also barred the Russian cargo ship “Port Olya-3”, which was involved in carrying missiles from Iran to Russia, from entering British ports.
These new sanctions build on earlier measures taken by the UK, France, and Germany, which accused Tehran of supplying short-range missiles to Russia.
Iran has consistently denied Western allegations that it has supplied missiles or drones to Russia for use in the conflict against Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the EU’s actions, describing the sanctions as a pretext based on “non-existent missile” allegations.
“There is no legal, logical, or moral basis for such behavior,” Araghchi said, adding that these measures could backfire.
Iran’s economy is already under significant strain due to U.S. sanctions imposed after Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
In response to the latest round of EU sanctions, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would determine its next steps.
AFP
