EU imposes sanctions on Iran over missile transfers to Russia

The European Union announced on Monday that it is imposing sanctions on seven individuals and seven organizations, including Iran Air, for their involvement in transferring ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia. These sanctions follow recent intelligence reports suggesting that Russia has received missiles from Iran for its war in Ukraine.

Among those targeted by the sanctions are Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, as well as prominent airlines such as Saha Airlines and Mahan Air. Key officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and senior executives from Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries and the Aerospace Industries Organization are also facing penalties.

The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans within the EU.

Last month, the United States, citing shared intelligence, claimed that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran. Washington responded by imposing sanctions on the ships and companies involved in the weapons transfers. In response to these allegations, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian denied that his government had provided any weapons to Russia since taking office in August.

The EU’s decision adds to growing international pressure on Iran over its role in supporting Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.