The European Commission on Monday imposed sanctions against key Iranian officials and entities, including airlines, for allegedly handing over missiles and drones to Russia for use against Ukraine.
The European Commission’s foreign affairs minister has imposed sanctions on seven organizations, including Iran Air, and seven individuals, including Deputy Defense Minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari and senior officers of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force.Major European powers Britain, France and Germany issued similar sanctions last month over the transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, welcomed the sanctions adopted by the entire bloc and said, ‘The Iranian regime’s support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine is unacceptable and must stop.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai rejected the ban as unjust and against international law. He also emphasized Iran’s inalienable right to defense and military cooperation with other countries, including Russia, Iran’s official news agency reported.
Iran’s arch-rival Israel has also praised the commission’s move. The ban also targets two companies involved in the production of propellants used to launch rockets and missiles. Iran has denied Western accusations that it has handed over missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.
