EU extends sanctions on Iran, bans UAV cooperation with Tehran
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The European Union is seeking to extend the sanctions it has in place as it phases out and bans UAV cooperation with Tehran.
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The Iranian Shahed-129 drone is displayed at a rally in Tehran, Iran, February 11, 2016 (AP)
The European Union announced Tuesday a new batch of sanctions on Iran, banning cooperation with the country on drone production over alleged drone supplies to Russia.
"It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, goods and technology which might contribute to Iran’s capability to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)," a statement from the EU read.
Brussels underlined the goods and technology in question are prohibited from being granted to Iran regardless of whether they originated in the union, and they could not be granted to any natural or legal person or an entity or body in Iran or for use in Iran.
Sanctions also include the possibility of imposing personal restrictions against those the EU deems involved in the development of drone production in Iran, according to the journal.
The EU imposed sanctions on Iran in connection with drone deliveries that the EU claims Iran is making to Russia. The decision becomes effective the day after publication in the official journal.
The West has lamented Tehran with accusations regarding weapon sales to Russia, and Iran has responded on multiple occasions by denying the claims. Furthermore, the country has requested documents be provided to prove its involvement, however, neither Ukraine nor its Western allies have been able to do so.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went as far as claiming that Russia was deploying almost 2,500 attack drones purchased from Iran.
However, Tehran gave a small batch of drones to Russia, but it was before the Ukraine war broke out, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated in late 2022.
In the wake of the news about the sanctions imposed Tuesday, Iranian foreign minister spokesperson Nasser Kanaani on Sunday again denied claims of Iran exporting attack drones to Russia, slamming the accusations as "unfounded".
On July 21, the EU imposed new sanctions on Iran on baseless claims, prohibiting the export of components used for drone production. It is worth noting that such a step will also affect the prices and availability of components that go into civilian products, which has been a hallmark of unilateral and multilateral sanctions on nations.
Sanctions will also target individuals which the EU claims are responsible for drone production in the country.
