European and Israeli Officials Welcome EU Sanctions Against the Islamic Republic of Iran

The European Union's sanctions against the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran, senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and three airlines for allegedly sending drones, missiles, and other equipment to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine have been welcomed by several officials from the EU, member countries, Israel, and some members of the European Parliament. According to the sanctions imposed on Monday, October 15, the names of three Iranian airlines, Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha, as well as Hamzeh Qalandari, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran, are among those sanctioned. The EU stated that the aircraft of these companies have been 'repeatedly used to transfer Iranian-made drones and related technologies to Russia,' which has employed them in its 'aggressive war' against Ukraine. In this regard, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on the social media platform 'X': 'Iran's regime's support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine is unacceptable and must stop.' She noted that she welcomes the approval of the EU sanctions in this context. Additionally, Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, welcomed the EU and UK's decision to impose further sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, stating: 'These sanctions send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate Iran's dangerous actions, support for terrorism, and destabilization of the region.' He emphasized: 'Iran and its proxies remain a threat to the free world, and with coordinated and decisive action, we can prevent its aggressions and ensure regional security.' Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, also wrote that his country welcomes the EU sanctions against the Islamic Republic in response to the transfer of weapons from Iran to Russia. According to this senior Ukrainian diplomat, military assistance to an aggressor is a violation of international law and the UN Charter, and supporters of aggression must be held accountable and made to pay the costs of their actions. Kasper Woldkemp, the Dutch Foreign Minister, also welcomed the EU's decision, stating: 'We have consistently condemned Iran's actions and warned about imposing sanctions, and today we have turned that into action.' Andre S. Mikhailis, the German ambassador to the United States, wrote: 'The EU's clear message: We will not tolerate the delivery of Iranian drones and missiles to Russia for use in the brutal war against Ukraine.' In this context, Hannah Neumann, head of the Iran section in the European Parliament, welcomed the addition of Iran Air to the EU sanctions list. Ms. Neumann wrote: 'Iran Air has been added to the EU sanctions list due to transporting weapons to conflict zones, aiding terrorism, and violating human rights.' She noted that 'the EU sends a clear message: we will not tolerate this - this means no more spare parts and no new aircraft.' Valery Heyer, a member of the European Parliament, also wrote: 'We welcome these bold sanctions against Iran as part of the EU's unwavering support for the people of Ukraine' and emphasized: 'The delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia for the aggressive war against Ukraine is unacceptable.' Maryam Rajavi, the President of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, considered 'the sanctions against the Iranian regime,' especially against Iran Air, 'a positive but insufficient action' and urged the EU to 'immediately designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.' She emphasized that delay in this action 'only emboldens the ruling dictatorship in Iran and encourages it to intensify its terrorism and warmongering and accelerate its nuclear weapons development program.' Following the EU sanctions, the Australian Foreign Minister also announced on Tuesday, October 16, that his country has imposed sanctions on five officials of the Iranian government's missile program in response to the Islamic Republic's attacks on Israel. Previously, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries had issued a joint statement on Saturday, September 15, condemning the transfer of ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia in the strongest terms. They reminded that Russia is killing Ukrainian civilians using Iranian weapons and targeting the critical infrastructure of this country. They also warned that they remain committed to holding the Iranian government accountable for its illegal support of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine and will respond with 'new' and 'significant' actions. The United States has also imposed various sanctions against individuals and entities supporting the missile and drone activities of the Islamic Republic. Recently, despite repeated warnings from the international community, the Iranian government sent hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. In response to the military cooperation of the Islamic Republic with Russia, the US and the EU have imposed several sanction packages against individuals and entities involved in developing these relations. The United Against a Nuclear Iran organization: The Islamic Republic's sanctions evasion system is traceable. Pressure from congressional lawmakers on the Biden administration to implement the 'Mahsa Law' and 'effectively enforce' sanctions. New EU sanctions against the Islamic Republic; seizure of assets of 'Iran Air' and two other airlines. New UK sanctions against seven individuals and two entities affiliated with the Iranian government. Warning from a senior Republican lawmaker about the 'unholy alliance' between the Islamic Republic and Russia. New sanctions against Iranian agents for 'interfering in elections' and 'targeting officials' in the US. The US has sanctioned several companies and ships for participating in the transfer of Iranian oil and gas.