European Union Council: We have extended 'restrictive measures' against the Islamic Republic for another year

The European Union Council announced the extension of its sanctions against the Islamic Republic due to Iran's military support for Russia and militia groups in the Middle East. In a statement released on Friday, July 27, 2024, the Council noted that considering the continued military assistance from the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russia-Ukraine war and support for armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region, these restrictive measures have been extended for one year, until July 27, 2025, and will be reviewed annually. The statement also emphasized that if the Council determines that its objectives have not been achieved, these measures will be renewed or amended as necessary. Currently, the sanctions imposed on 12 individuals and 9 entities include asset freezes and bans on any direct or indirect financial and economic support, as well as travel restrictions to the European Union. The EU Council's decision to extend these restrictive measures follows a request from the European Council to third countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to cease material support for Russia's war against Ukraine. On May 15, the EU expanded its sanctions to cover drones and missiles and Iran's support for armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea. The EU Council also banned the export of additional components used in the development and production of drones from the EU to Iran. Since the onset of Russia's comprehensive war against Ukraine, the Islamic Republic has provided thousands of 'Shahed' drones to Russia and has assisted in the construction of a drone manufacturing plant in Tatarstan. This has coincided with international pressure, particularly from Western countries, on the Islamic Republic's government. The EU Council's statement noted that North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, will align themselves with this Council decision and ensure that their national policies comply with this decision. The United States also issued new sanctions related to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia in May, affecting Poya Air, eight individuals, five ships, and fifteen entities. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that these individuals, entities, and ships played a central role in facilitating and financing the covert sale of drones for the Ministry of Defense and the support of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic, which itself supports the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.S. welcomed the EU's new sanctions against the Islamic Republic, stating it will continue to counter Tehran's threats. New EU sanctions were imposed against 9 individuals and entities, including the commander of the Quds Force and the Minister of Defense. The U.S. sanctioned four entities and one individual active in the Islamic Republic's drone program. The EU will sanction 9 individuals and entities affiliated with the Islamic Republic. The Houthis in Yemen attacked another commercial ship in the Red Sea. Australia and the EU sanctioned several officials and entities of the Islamic Republic. The U.S. stated that the Islamic Republic cannot hide behind the Houthis and must immediately cease destabilizing actions. The U.S., U.K., and Canada coordinated to impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic.