EU, US sanctions Iranian individuals, firms over alleged Russia aid
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The European External Action Service (EEAS) says it imposed restrictive measures on six Iranian individuals and three entities, under the pretext that they undermine peace and stability.
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A military truck carries an Arash drone past a portrait of Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei during a military parade as part of a ceremony marking the country's annual army day in Tehran, on April 17, 2024. (AFP)
The European Union has slapped fresh penalties on several Iranian individuals and businesses for their alleged involvement in the "transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia."
The European External Action Service (EEAS) announced on Friday that it has imposed restrictive measures on six Iranian individuals and three entities, claiming that their involvement in the transfer undermines the stability and peace in West Asia and the Red Sea region.
Additionally, the bloc resolved to list Iran's Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and Afshin Khajeh Fard, director of Iran's Aviation Industries Organisation (IAIO).
Those targeted will face an asset freeze and a travel restriction to the European Union. Furthermore, the direct or indirect provision of financial or economic resources to or for the advantage of the mentioned natural or legal individuals, organizations, or bodies is forbidden.
The EU extended its sanctions policy on May 14 to include Iran's missile capabilities.
The European Council revealed that the sanctions were implemented in response to Iran's backing of Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as its missile and drone sales to non-state organizations in West Asia.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that it has not given weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
US sanctions IAIO
The US also sanctioned Iranian organizations on Friday, accusing them of "enabling the country's drone program."
According to a news statement, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting four businesses suspected of working with OFAC-designated Rayan Roshd Afzar Company (RRA) to buy crucial parts for Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle development.
OFAC also targeted an Iranian executive from the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO).
Brian Nelson, Under Secretary of the US Treasury Department for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that the Treasury would continue to sanction those "who seek to procure the components Iran needs for its UAV programs and enable the shipment of these weapons to destabilizing actors around the world."
According to the Treasury, Afshin Khajeh Fard, the chief of IAIO, is in charge of the organization's drone and missile production activities and was also sanctioned by the EU.
Friday's measure freezes any of their US assets and generally prohibits Americans from doing business with them.
Iranian leaders have asserted they will not hesitate to develop their military capabilities and that such developments will not be up for discussion.
Russia has also consistently warned that the influx of Western weaponry to Ukraine will only exacerbate the situation. Since the war began, the US has given the latter over $44 billion in military aid, including weapons seized from Iran.
