Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities in reaction to Iran’s missile transfer to Russia.
The European Council assumed restrictive measures against seven individuals and seven entities following Iran’s missile and drone transfers to Russia. This action tracks the indication by the European Council in March 2024 that were Iran to move ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for usage against Ukraine, the EU would be scheduled to respond swiftly, including with new and meaningful restrictive measures.
Who are the individuals and entities sanctioned by the European Council?
The designation includes individuals and entities liable for the expansion and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles and connected technology to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, and to armed parties and entities sabotaging peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.
Furthermore, the EU Council decided to set restrictive measures on the Deputy Defence Minister of Iran, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, major officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF), IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division, as well as the managing executives of the EU-listed organisations Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) and Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). Those listed will be subject to an asset freeze and travel prohibition to the European Union.
What role do Iranian airlines play in missile transfers?
Also, the listings include three Iranian Airlines (Saha Airlines, Mahan Air and Iran Air), and two procurement companies. These are respectively responsible for the transfer and stockpile, through transnational procurement networks, of Iran-made UAVs and connected components and technologies to Russia, to be employed in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Two companies engaged in the production of propellant utilised to launch rockets and missiles were also listed.
How do these sanctions align with previous eu measures against Iran?
In a declaration dated 13 September 2024, the EU strongly criticised the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia deemed a direct threat to European security and a substantive material escalation from the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition, which Russia had employed in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The High Representative commented that the EU would respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with further and important restrictive measures against Iran.
