EU sanctions IRGC research unit for drone development
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The EU claims that the IRGC unit for drone development "contributes to violations of the Charter of the United Nations and of fundamental principles of international law."
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The European Union flag inside the atrium during an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP)
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's research organization has been sanctioned by the European Union for involvement in Iran's drone and missile development and alleged military support to Russia, according to the European Union's legislation database on Monday.
The EU statement read, "Furthermore, the European Council stated that the Union would take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles", referring to the "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO)."
It claimed that the IRGC unit for drone development and production "contributes to violations of the Charter of the United Nations and of fundamental principles of international law," and continued to claim that Russia is allegedly using them in its operation in Ukraine, despite Iranian and Russian officials repeatedly rejecting the claims.
"In view of the gravity of the situation," it said, "one entity should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532."
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Back in April, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell declared the unanimous agreement by EU foreign ministers to expand sanctions on Iranian manufacturers and exporters of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles – alleging their potential transfer to Russia, the Middle East, and the Red Sea.
"It is important to notice that we have reached a political agreement in order to enlarge and expand the existing drones [sanctions] regime to cover missiles and their potential transfer to Russia. The existing drones’ regime to impose sanctions to Iran in order to cover missiles and their potentials – for the time being, it has not happened – but their potential transfer to Russia," Borrell said.
He announced that the geographical area would be expanded "to cover drones and missile deliveries not only to Russia but to the whole region of the Middle East and the Red Sea," noting that the list of prohibited drone components would also be expanded.
