The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have announced new sanctions against Iran due to its continued support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war.
These sanctions target Iranian ports, shipping companies, and government-run entities accused of helping transport drones and missiles to Russia.
On Monday, the EU banned the export, transfer, and sale of parts used to make missiles and drones to Iran. They also imposed restrictions on two Iranian ports, Amirabad and Anzali, which are believed to be key points for shipping military supplies to Russia.
The EU’s sanctions prevent any transactions with ports or businesses linked to individuals or groups involved in these shipments. However, they clarified that help can still be given to ships in danger, following maritime safety rules.
In addition, the EU has sanctioned Iran’s state-run shipping company, IRISL, and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani. Three Russian shipping companies involved in the transport of weapons have also been targeted. These actions come after previous sanctions on Iranian officials and airlines accused of supporting Russia’s war effort.
The UK has also frozen the assets of IRISL and Iran Air, which is accused of transporting ballistic missiles to Russia. The UK also banned a Russian cargo ship, Port Olya-3, from entering its ports.
Iran has denied accusations that it is sending weapons to Russia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the EU for using what he called a “non-existent missile pretext” to target Iranian shipping. He argued that such actions threaten freedom of navigation and could backfire.
These new sanctions add to the pressure on Iran, which is already facing economic challenges due to US sanctions since 2018. Iran has warned that it will carefully consider how to respond to the latest measures.
