Iran Condemns New EU and British Sanctions, Denies Providing Ballistic Missiles to Russia
The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting several individuals and entities accused of being involved in the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. The sanctions were imposed in response to allegations that Iran had supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for its military campaign in Ukraine. However, Iran has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them baseless and undermining international law.
Background: The Allegations
In September, the United States announced that it had intelligence indicating that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran for use in its war in Ukraine. This claim was reportedly shared with its allies, including the EU and the UK. In response, the EU and the UK have imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting several individuals and entities involved in the alleged transfers of ballistic missiles.
The Sanctions
The EU has imposed sanctions on seven individuals and seven organizations, including:
- Iran Air, a major airline and subsidiary of the Iranian government
- Saha Airlines and Mahan Air, two other major Iranian airlines
- Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Iran’s deputy defense minister
- Prominent officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
- The managing directors of Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries and Aerospace Industries Organization
The sanctions include an asset freeze and a travel ban to the EU. The UK has also imposed nine new designations under its Iran sanctions regime, targeting similar individuals and entities.
Iran’s Response
Iran has denied any involvement in the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, rejecting the allegations as baseless and unfounded. In a statement, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, condemned the sanctions, saying that they went against international law and undermined the principles of nondiscrimination and sovereign equality.
Conclusion
The sanctions imposed by the EU and the UK against Iran are intended to pressure Tehran to cease and desist from any alleged involvement in the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. However, Iran has denied any wrongdoing, and the allegations remain unsubstantiated. It remains to be seen whether the sanctions will have the intended effect or will simply lead to further tensions and escalation between Iran and the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the allegations against Iran?
The allegations are that Iran supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. - What is the response of the Iranian government?
Iran has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and unfounded. - Which entities and individuals have been targeted by the sanctions?
The EU has imposed sanctions on seven individuals and seven organizations, including Iran Air, Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and the Iranian government’s deputy defense minister. The UK has imposed nine new designations under its Iran sanctions regime. - What are the sanctions?
The sanctions include an asset freeze and a travel ban to the EU.