EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia

Luxembourg

The European Union (EU) on Monday (Oct 14) imposed sanctions against Iran over the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. The European Council adopted restrictive actions against seven people and seven organisations linked to the transfer deal. 

Three Iranian Airlines (Saha Airlines, Mahan Air and Iran Air), two procurement firms, Deputy Defence Minister of Iran, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, prominent officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division have been sanctioned 

Additionally, the managing directors of the EU-listed companies Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) and Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) have also been sanctioned. 

"Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited," the EU said. 

Watch | Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine

EU receives confirmation 

It was last month that the EU said it was considering sanctions on Tehran after obtaining confirmation of Russia receiving the ballistic missiles and drones for its war against Ukraine. 

"We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," EU spokesman Peter Stano said at the time. 

Moscow did not issue a denial when asked about the allegations and instead preferred to comment on the growing relationship with Tehran.

"We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas."

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Notably, Iran has provided Russia with hundreds of drones since the war began over two years ago. However, the supply of ballistic missiles represents a deeper level of involvement in the conflict. 

Facing suffocating Western sanctions, Moscow has turned towards North Korea and Iran for weapons supplies to keep the war going against Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un has sent ammunition and missiles, Iran has helped the Kremlin build a drone-manufacturing factory and now the ballistic missiles. 

(With inputs from agencies)