EU Sanctions Iran Air and Deputy Defense Minister Over Missile Transfers to Russia

On Monday, October 15, EU foreign ministers convened to discuss the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and new measures to support Ukraine against Russia, approving new sanctions against Iran. The EU sanctions target companies and individuals involved in Iran's ballistic missile program, which has transferred these missiles and other weapons to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. European sources had previously informed Radio Farda that the EU would decide on new sanctions against 14 individuals and entities linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including Iran Air. The EU has placed three Iranian airlines—Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha Airlines—along with two logistical companies on its sanctions list. These companies are responsible for transferring and supplying Iranian-made drones and related components and technologies to Russia, which are used in aggression against Ukraine. Two launcher manufacturing companies used for launching rockets and missiles have also been included in the EU's sanctions list. The European Council has also sanctioned Seyyed Hamzeh Qalandari, Iran's Deputy Minister of Defense, commanders of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, and the Aerospace Force of the IRGC, along with the CEOs of Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and the Iranian Space Industries Organization. These individuals will face asset freezes and travel bans to the EU. Additionally, providing financial and economic resources, directly or indirectly, for the use of these individuals and entities has been prohibited. The European Council had warned earlier this year that if the transfer of drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies to Russia continued, Iran would face punitive actions, including sanctions. The G7 foreign ministers condemned the transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia. Iran has repeatedly denied allegations of sending ballistic missiles to Russia, especially since the onset of the Ukraine war for use against that country. Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, stated on Sunday, ahead of the EU foreign ministers' meeting, that "once again I explicitly emphasize that we have not provided ballistic missiles to Russia." He added that if Europe is "looking for a way to appease Israel," it should find "another excuse." However, on October 12, an EU official noted that after months of denial, Araqchi confirmed the transfer of missiles to Russia but claimed that the weapon was a "short-range rocket of less than 250 kilometers," which he does not consider ballistic. The role of Iran and its proxy groups, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and the extremist group Hamas in Gaza, which are recognized as terrorist organizations by the EU, was also a central focus of the EU foreign ministers' meeting held in Luxembourg. The EU is struggling to find a way to control and stop the escalating violence in the Middle East and prevent it from turning into a full-scale regional war. The EU also plans to sanction a group of Russian actors and entities for interfering in the security and democratic process of Moldova, ahead of a referendum scheduled for October 20 to survey public opinion on including Moldova's EU membership request in its constitution. Other important topics at the Luxembourg meeting include addressing Hungary's year-and-a-half blockade on approving the EU's military aid package to Ukraine, valued at over $7 billion. Budapest argues that military assistance to Ukraine will only prolong the war. Nevertheless, an EU official expressed optimism that Hungary might reach some form of compromise at the meeting and agree to a solution for approving aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is also expected to discuss via video link with senior EU diplomats. Additionally, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with his EU counterparts, marking the first EU foreign ministers' meeting since Brexit four years ago with a British foreign minister present. The EU foreign ministers' meeting is taking place at a critical time and is likely to be the last appearance of Josep Borrell as the EU's foreign policy chief, with former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas set to replace him.