New European Actions Against Iran's Support for Russia and Syria: Six More Individuals Sanctioned

On Thursday, the European Union Council announced further restrictive measures due to the Islamic Republic of Iran's military support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The council also stated that it would add the names of six Iranians to the sanctions list based on existing sanction regimes. In a statement, the EU Council said the new restrictions would prohibit the export of components used in drone production from the EU to Iran. These new measures also pave the way for travel restrictions and the freezing of assets of individuals responsible for, supporting, or involved in Iran's drone program. The EU Council stated that the new regime of restrictions is in response to the Islamic Republic's military support for Russia's attack on Ukraine and complements three previous sanction packages related to drones targeting individuals and entities. The EU Council mentioned that the names of six Iranian individuals would be added under two existing sanction regimes concerning Iran's military support for the war against Ukraine and support for the government of Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria. The assets of these individuals will be subject to freezing, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing funds to them. They are also subject to travel restrictions that prevent their entry or transit through EU territories. The individuals listed include Fereydoun Mohammadi Saqaei, a commander of the IRGC, Mohammad Sadegh Heydari Mousavi from the Paravar Pars company, Mohammad Reza Mohammadi from Paravar Pars, Mohsen Asadi from Paravar Pars, Alireza Tangseiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, and Hamid Reza Sharifi Tehrani from the main members of Quds Aerospace Industries. The Paravar Pars company produces drones for the IRGC. Earlier, in Esfand 1401, it was reported that the EU had sanctioned Paravar Pars. The US had previously imposed similar sanctions. The EU also announced on Thursday that it is imposing sanctions on 18 individuals and 5 entities for human rights violations in Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Ukraine, and Russia. The EU stated that the Taliban's ministers of education and justice, as well as the acting chief justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan, are among the six individuals sanctioned for sexual and gender-based violence. The council also imposed sanctions on twelve other individuals and five entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Russia.