The European Union has proposed new restrictions on exports of drone and missile-related technology to Iran, while preparing additional sanctions in response to what it described as Tehran’s "brutal suppression" of protesters.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Iran’s violent response to demonstrations over worsening economic conditions and the collapse of the national currency.
"The human rights situation in Iran has been severe for years, particularly the appalling pace of executions and the arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, but what we are witnessing now is of a different magnitude," Kallas said.
"Citizens demanding rights are met with batons and bullets," she added.
Kallas said the European Commission is proposing new export controls on components that could be used in Iran’s drone and missile programmes, arguing the move would further limit Tehran’s ability to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
"This will further restrict Iran’s capacity to fuel Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine," Kallas said, adding that the bloc is also working on new sanctions aimed at those responsible for the repression of protesters.
Iran has seen sustained demonstrations in Tehran and other cities since last month, initially triggered by the sharp depreciation of the rial and rising living costs. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 4,029 people have been killed and more than 26,000 arrested since the protests began.
‘Sovereignty is not for trade’
Kallas also used her address to reiterate the EU’s support for Greenland and Denmark, rejecting recent remarks by President Donald Trump about acquiring the island.
"Greenland belongs to its people. No threat or tariffs will change that. Sovereignty is not for trade," she said, stressing that no country has the right to take over the territory of another.
"Not in Ukraine, not in Greenland, not anywhere in the world," Kallas added, saying the EU’s response must remain calm, united and rooted in international law.
She warned that tariff threats and pressure tactics risk harming both Europe and the United States, undermining shared prosperity. While insisting the EU does not seek confrontation, she said the bloc is prepared to defend its interests.
The foreign policy chief also highlighted growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, warning that Russia and China could seek to expand their presence as ice melts open new routes.
"If there are concerns about Greenland’s security, NATO is well suited to address them," Kallas said, noting that several European countries have recently deployed personnel to the territory as part of alliance missions.
Trump has said Washington will impose tariffs on goods from eight European countries from 1 February, rising in June, unless a deal is reached on Greenland. European leaders have rejected the threat and reiterated their support for Denmark’s sovereignty.
British police are facing a national backlash over their handling of the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while d...
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, has met Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, in Islamabad to di...
International organisations, investors, environmental experts and business representatives gathered in Samarkand for the opening of Eco Expo Central A...
China is sending doctors, medical teams and emergency supplies to help combat a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, joining an international eff...
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan remains committed to normalising relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye, expressing confidenc...
British police are facing a national backlash over their handling of the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying from stab wounds after his attacker falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist assault.
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, has met Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, in Islamabad to discuss the China-facilitated Urumqi Process and regional security concerns.
International organisations, investors, environmental experts and business representatives gathered in Samarkand for the opening of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, one of the region's largest environmental events focused on green growth, climate resilience and sustainable development.
China is sending doctors, medical teams and emergency supplies to help combat a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, joining an international effort to contain the disease before it spreads further.
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and heavy rain to Japan's south-western islands.
Competing narratives continue to shape perceptions of the war in Ukraine, with Russian leadership suggesting a possible end phase while Ukrainian officials warn of renewed large-scale attacks and ongoing escalation risks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Washington has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a gradual de-escalation of hostilities.
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the European Union. The result may not only determine who governs Armenia but also the future direction of the country's geopolitical alignment.
Unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of lawyer Robert Amsterdam after documents revealed communications between his law firm and Jeffrey Epstein's office. The disclosures have drawn attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia.
British police are facing a national backlash over their handling of the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while dying from stab wounds after his attacker falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist assault.
China is sending doctors, medical teams and emergency supplies to help combat a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, joining an international effort to contain the disease before it spreads further.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they struck a cargo ship owned by the “American-Zionist enemy” with a cruise missile after an Iranian freighter was attacked in the Sea of Oman.
Dutch police have launched an investigation into the use of force against a pregnant woman at an asylum seekers' centre in Zeist after videos of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on Monday that his government would begin legal proceedings to remove President Tamás Sulyok if he continues to reject calls to resign.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment