Israel Welcomes New European Sanctions Against the Iranian Government: Necessary

Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, praised the European Union's decision to intensify sanctions against the Iranian government, deeming it 'necessary' to counter the threats posed by the Islamic Republic. Sa'ar stated in a post on 'X' that the new EU sanctions announced on Monday, November 28, due to Iran's support for Russia's attack on Ukraine, are 'a necessary step in the international community's fight against the threats of the Islamic Republic, which is considered the greatest danger to the security and stability of the Middle East, Europe, and the entire world.' In response to Iran's support for Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, the EU sanctioned the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and its CEO, Mohammad Reza Modarres Khiyabani. The EU cited Iran's military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region as the reason for the intensified sanctions against Iran. The EU also banned any transactions with ports owned, managed, or controlled by these individuals or entities. The Union announced that the Islamic Republic Shipping Lines was involved in transferring Iranian-made weapons and ammunition, including drone parts, via the Caspian Sea to supply equipment to the Russian army in the war against Ukraine. The UK also imposed sanctions on 'Iran Air' and the Iranian shipping line on Monday, November 28. Ismail Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, reacted to the new sanctions, calling them 'based on false claims regarding missile transfers to Russia' and 'unjustified.' Russia has used Iranian-made weapons, including 'Shahed drones,' in its extensive attacks on Ukraine. The United States claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran, which had previously supplied drones to Russia, has recently provided ballistic missiles to the country for attacks on Ukraine. The transfer of missiles to Russia, reportedly via the Caspian Sea, led to the sanctioning of Iran Air by the U.S. and some of its allies. Russia's attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure with 'Iranian-made weapons' have been significant, with Ukrainian President Zelensky stating that Russia launched 145 drones at Ukraine in one night and that they face threats from Iranian 'Shahed' drones daily. Zelensky discussed a 'victory plan' with Ukraine's allies, while reports indicated that Russia has launched over 8,000 'Shahed' drones since the start of the war, with 58 drones shot down during Russian attacks. The U.S. has targeted 105 Russian and Chinese companies with trade restrictions due to military support for Moscow and expressed concern over Iran's 'planning' to deliver ballistic missiles to Russia.