EU expands sanctions against Iran for military support to Russia News
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EU expands sanctions against Iran for military support to Russia

The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Iran in response to the country’s military support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU Council on Monday announced a series of restrictive measures aimed at curbing Iran’s supply of drones and missiles to Russia.

The new sanctions specifically target one individual and four entities, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani. According to the EU, these measures are part of a broader strategy to prevent the export, transfer, supply, or sale of components used in the development of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Iran to Russia.

Additionally, transactions involving ports controlled by sanctioned individuals or entities are now prohibited. This includes significant Iranian ports, such as Amirabad and Anzali, which have been implicated in facilitating these arms transfers. The EU’s decision also encompasses a ban on services provided to vessels linked to these operations, although exceptions are made for humanitarian needs or maritime safety. This escalation follows previous sanctions imposed earlier in the year.

In reaction to these developments, Iranian officials have condemned the sanctions as baseless. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the EU’s actions as a misuse of international law and warned that such measures could provoke further instability.  Previously, Iran also faced accusations of violating United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which restricts arms transfers that could contribute to nuclear weapon delivery systems.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran has emerged as a significant military and diplomatic ally for Russia, according to a number of sources. This support has manifested in various forms, including the provision of drones and missiles, which have been utilized in attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian targets. Reports indicate that Iran has supplied over 2,000 kamikaze drones, specifically the Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 models, to Russia, significantly bolstering its military capabilities in the conflict.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry previously asserted that confirmation of Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would result in severe repercussions for bilateral relations between Ukraine and Iran. Despite these claims, Iran has consistently refuted allegations of supplying weapons for use in Ukraine, maintaining that its military assistance is confined to conventional arms.
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