The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Iran due to its support of Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, as announced by the European Commission. Among those added to the sanctions list are the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its director Mohammad Reza Khiabani. These new sanctions target vessels and ports used for transporting Iranian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and related technologies and components. Transactions with ports and locks owned, operated, or controlled by the sanctioned individuals and entities are prohibited.
Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization Managing Director, Ali Akbar Safaei, criticized the fresh sanctions, rejecting the “European accusations” as unfounded. The official IRNA News Agency reported Safaei’s denial on Monday. In addition to targeting Iran, the EU is also imposing sanctions on three Russian shipping companies – MG Flot, VTS Broker, and Arapax – for transporting Iranian weapons, including drone parts, across the Caspian Sea to resupply Russian troops in Ukraine.
The European Union’s actions reflect its ongoing efforts to penalize entities involved in activities that contribute to the conflict in Ukraine. By broadening its sanctions to include both Iranian and Russian entities, the EU aims to deter support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The sanctions serve as a means of exerting pressure on Iran and Russia to cease activities that fuel the conflict and contribute to instability in the region.
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