Zelensky drafts law to sanction Iran for 50 yrs over 'baseless' claims
3 Min Read
The Ukrainian leader accuses Iran of supplying Russia with drones, while Tehran calls on Kiev to submit evidence but to no avail.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint news conference with Poland's President Andrzej Duda in Kiev, Ukraine, May 22, 2022. (Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a bill to the parliament calling for imposing sanctions against Iran for a period of 50 years, including seizing capital in Ukraine that belongs to Iranian citizens.
The decree specifies "sectoral special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) against" Iran, in addition to a complete ban on trade with the Islamic Republic and barring the transit of Iranian commodities through the country's territory.
Furthermore, the draft forbids Ukraine from transferring any technology and intellectual property rights to the sanctioned country.
Read more: EU has no proof Iran is sending ballistic missiles to Russia: official
The legislation lists the cabinet, Central Bank, and foreign and local security services in charge of carrying out the decree and implementing the measures.
Last week, Zelensky alleged again that Iran is sending suicide drones to Russia, saying that "the people of Iran are being driven deeper and deeper into the dark side of history."
The Islamic Republic has rejected these claims numerous times and called on Kiev to submit evidence of its allegations. Tehran even asked that both parties hold a meeting on the level of military experts to inspect any proof provided by Ukraine.
However, just as Zelensky was leaning toward the suggestion, Washington obstructed the talks, bringing back the issue to square one.
Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the accusations made by the Ukrainian leader are part of a "political show" aimed at turning Western attention to Kiev in hopes of gaining more aid for his country.
The claims have been previously proven to be built on "baseless allegations," Nasser Kanaani said.
"The Ukrainian side’s avoidance of expert talks with the Iranian side in order to investigate the claims confirms their baselessness and the existence of specific political goals and motives behind such accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.
Iran has repeatedly "declared that it is against the war in Ukraine and its continuation, is deeply saddened by the suffering of the people of Ukraine, underscores the need to find a political solution to end it as soon as possible, and is ready to assist in its realization."
Kiev held its claims against Tehran since late 2022 and even called for strikes on drone production facilities in the country.
Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said in November 2022 that it was necessary to conduct strikes on Iran due to Tehran allegedly supplying drones to Russia.
In March, the Ukrainian President imposed sanctions on 141 legal entities from Russia and Iran for a period of 10 years.
