EU sanctions Iran for supplying Russia with missiles and drones

The EU has announced sanctions over a dozen individuals from Iran, including top officials and three airlines, due to providing Russia with military equipment

At a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, European Union foreign ministers imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials and entities accused of involvement in supplying missiles and drones to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. The sanctions target seven individuals, including Iran’s deputy defense minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, as well as seven entities, such as Iran Air.

The EU claims these companies have been involved in transferring military equipment and drones to Russia through transnational procurement networks.

The measures also target two firms linked to the production of rocket and missile propellants. The individuals and companies involved will face an asset freeze and a travel ban within the EU.

This move follows similar sanctions imposed by the UK, France, Germany, and the United States over Iran’s military support to Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for the sanctions but emphasized the need for further action. “The Iranian regime's support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable and must stop,” von der Leyen stated on social media.

The sanctions come amid broader tensions in the Middle East, with the EU foreign ministers also urging Israel to halt attacks on UN peacekeepers stationed at the Israel-Lebanon border.

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