Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In response to Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU expands its restrictive measures.
The European Council on 18 Nov 2024 arranged to widen the scope of the EU framework for restrictive actions given Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. This additional measure is aimed at the use of vessels and ports for the transfer of Iranian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), missiles and connected technologies and features.
What new restrictions have been imposed on Iranian ports?
As reported by the EU Council, the decision raises a ban on the export, transfer, supply, or sale from the EU to Iran of components utilised in the development and production of missiles and UAVs. The EU is also presenting a transaction ban prohibiting any transaction with ports and locks that are possessed, operated or owned by listed individuals and entities, or are employed for the transfer of Iranian UAVs or missiles or connected technology and components to Russia.
Moreover, this step includes the access to facilities of the ports and locks, such as Amirabad and Anzali, and the condition of any services to vessels. The latter should be apprehended except for vessels in need of service for reasons of maritime safety, for humanitarian purposes, or concerning circumstances likely to have a serious effect on human health and safety or the environment.
Which Iranian entities are targeted by the EU’s latest sanctions?
The Council also adopted restrictive actions against one individual and four entities following Iran’s missile and drone deliveries to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine. These designations include the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its chief Mohammad Reza Khiabani. IRISL is Iran’s national maritime transportation, and for years its ships have been engaged in shipping drones on behalf of the EU-listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
What are Russian shipping firms involved in supporting Iran’s actions?
Furthermore, the EU Council is also identifying three Russian shipping firms – MG Flot, VTS Broker and Arapax- whose vessels are engaged in transporting Iranian-developed weapons and ammunition, including UAV parts, across the Caspian Sea to resupply Russian battalions fighting in Ukraine.
