The European Union is reportedly preparing a new package of sanctions targeting Iran over its alleged supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. The sanctions are expected to affect several individuals and companies involved in critical industries within Iran.
This move comes as the EU seeks to address growing concerns about Iran’s involvement in supporting Russia’s military capabilities during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, which cites sources familiar with the matter, this sanctions package will be the EU’s first direct response to the missile transfers. The list of sanctioned entities is expected to include around a dozen individuals and businesses, particularly those in the machine-building, metallurgy, and aviation sectors. These sectors are considered key to the development and production of ballistic missiles.
Iran has been accused of providing military support to Russia, including the supply of ballistic missiles, which have reportedly been used by Russian forces in Ukraine. While Moscow has denied some of these claims, the evidence pointing to military cooperation between Russia and Iran has been mounting, particularly following the alleged use of Iranian-made drones in the war.
The supply of ballistic missiles to Russia represents a serious escalation in Iran’s involvement in the conflict, prompting a unified response from the EU. The missile transfers not only undermine international efforts to contain the conflict but also challenge existing sanctions regimes already in place against both Russia and Iran.
Scope of the Sanctions
The proposed EU sanctions are designed to cut off access to essential resources and technology that may contribute to Iran’s missile programme. The decision to target Iran’s machine-building and metallurgical industries reflects the EU’s aim to weaken key sectors that facilitate missile development and production.
The scope of the sanctions, however, is not expected to be limited to economic restrictions. Diplomatic measures, including the freezing of assets and travel bans on key individuals, are also under consideration. The sanctions are intended to send a clear message to Iran that its actions in supporting Russia’s military activities will have serious international consequences.
US Coordination
Simultaneously, the United States is also considering its own measures against Iran. In a related development, a source revealed that Washington is preparing to impose sanctions on Tehran in response to a recent attack on Israel. The US is reportedly urging its allies, including the EU, to coordinate their efforts to punish Iran for both its actions in the Middle East and its military support to Russia.
While the details of the US sanctions remain unclear, they are likely to mirror the EU’s approach, targeting similar sectors and individuals involved in Iran’s missile programme. The coordinated response from both the US and the EU demonstrates the growing international frustration with Iran’s foreign policy, particularly its role in escalating tensions in multiple regions.
Impact on EU-Iran Relations
The imposition of sanctions is expected to further strain relations between the EU and Iran, which have already been tense due to disagreements over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its role in regional conflicts. The sanctions could also complicate any potential diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), as they signal a hardening of the EU’s stance against Iran’s military activities.
Iran has consistently denied accusations that it is supplying Russia with ballistic missiles, claiming that its military cooperation with Moscow is defensive in nature. Tehran has also condemned previous rounds of sanctions, arguing that they unfairly target its economy and disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.
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