EU Imposes Sanctions on Iran over Alleged Missile, Drone Transfers to Russia
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 14 Iranian individuals and entities, including the country’s deputy defense minister and national airline, over allegations of supplying missiles and drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, Al Jazeera reports.
The sanctions, announced by the European Council on Monday, include an asset freeze and travel ban on those implicated. Among the targeted individuals are Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister, high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, and officials from several Iranian airlines, including Iran Air.
The EU claims that these individuals and entities are responsible for transferring weapons and equipment to Russia, citing their involvement in supplying drones and missiles for use in the conflict.
Iran, however, vehemently denies these allegations. Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, refuted the claims on Tuesday, stating that the sanctions are “contrary to international law.”
“Some European countries and the UK have unfortunately claimed without evidence that Iran has militarily intervened in this conflict, which is totally refuted,” Baghaei said.
This latest move comes after the United States claimed last month that it had intelligence indicating Iran’s provision of ballistic missiles to Russia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the time denied any weapons transfers to Russia.
