The European Union Will Sanction 9 Individuals and Entities Linked to the Islamic Republic

On Friday, May 25, EU member countries agreed to impose sanctions on 9 individuals and entities affiliated with the Islamic Republic, including Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, Iran's Minister of Defense. According to Reuters, this sanctions package is being implemented due to the sale of drones to the Russian government by the Islamic Republic. The agreement reached on Friday among ambassadors of EU member states in Brussels is set to be executed following final approval by the foreign ministers of these countries on Monday, May 29. Reuters quoted a European diplomat stating that the sanctioned individuals and entities are linked to the Islamic Republic's drone program. He mentioned that details of this political agreement are being prepared, and Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, will announce it on Monday. Another diplomat confirmed to Reuters that Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani is among those sanctioned by the EU. The sanctions package includes a travel ban to Europe, freezing of assets of individuals and entities, and prohibiting their access to funds and economic resources. Australia and the EU have sanctioned several officials and entities of the Islamic Republic, Canada has imposed new sanctions against the institutions and military officials of the Islamic Republic, the UK has imposed new sanctions against the drone and missile industries of the Islamic Republic, and the US has imposed new sanctions related to the Islamic Republic's drone assistance to Russia.