The US, UK, France, and Germany to Sanction Iran Air

The US Secretary of State announced the extensive consequences of Iran's missile cooperation with Russia, stating that further sanctions would be imposed on the Iranian government, including sanctions on Iran Air. France, Germany, and the UK have also announced they will sanction Iran Air. On Tuesday, September 20, the US Secretary of State highlighted the significant repercussions of the Iranian government's missile collaboration with Russia, indicating that additional sanctions would be enacted against Iran, including sanctions on Iran Air. Following the announcement of these sanctions, the UK, France, and Germany condemned the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile exports to Russia and announced new sanctions against Iran Air and the cancellation of air services to Iran. Antony Blinken, who traveled to London, emphasized in a joint press conference with his British counterpart David Lammy that Iran had been warned both publicly and privately about its ballistic missile shipments to Russia and the escalation of its destabilizing activities. He pointed out that this action contradicts the claims made by Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of Iran's fourteenth government, who called for improved relations with Europe. The UK Foreign Secretary also condemned Iran's actions, describing the missile shipments to Russia as extremely dangerous and crisis-inducing, and stated that the UK would cooperate with the US on this matter. He referred to the transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia as a 'dangerous trend' and a 'significant escalation of tensions' by the Islamic Republic, indicating that the UK and the US are coordinating actions in this regard as quickly as possible. On Tuesday, September 20, the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement, labeling the missile exports to Russia as a sign of 'increased military support from the Islamic Republic for Russia's aggression against Ukraine' and considered it an act aimed at 'targeting European soil with Iranian missiles and exacerbating the suffering of the Ukrainian people.' The three countries announced that following confirmation of the ballistic missile transfers from Iran to Russia, they would take immediate steps to revoke bilateral agreements regarding air services to Iran. They noted that they had previously emphasized both publicly and privately that if Iran were to send ballistic missiles to Russia, they would implement new and significant actions against Iran. The UK, France, and Germany assessed this action by Iran and Russia as a 'direct threat' to European security and as a means to escalate tensions. In their statement, they announced that they would identify the individuals and entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile production program and those participating in the transfer of these missiles and other weapons to Russia. The three countries added that this strong reaction to the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia would be carried out in close coordination with their European and international partners. They called on Iran to immediately cease all support for Russia's war against Ukraine and to end its ballistic missile development and transfer operations. Additionally, the UK announced a new wave of sanctions, including seven against the Islamic Republic of Iran and three against the Russian government. According to Reuters, these sanctions will target certain entities and organizations related to drone industries in Iran and Russia. On the other hand, Ukraine deemed the sanctions against Iran in response to the ballistic missile exports to Russia as insufficient and called for Ukraine to utilize Western weapons to attack Russian territory. Andriy Yermak, a senior official in the Ukrainian presidential office, welcomed the sanctions against Iran but added, 'We need permission to use Western weapons against military targets in Russian territory, to secure longer-range missiles, and to strengthen air defense systems.' Russia has not yet responded to the US Secretary of State's statement, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has previously denied sending missiles to Russia despite reports on the matter. Emphasis by the US and UK on support for Ukraine Antony Blinken and David Lammy announced in their press conference that they would visit Ukraine together. These senior diplomats from the US and the UK stated that this is a 'critical moment' in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Mr. Lammy noted that this would be 'the first joint trip of this kind in a decade' and described it as a demonstration of the West's commitment to Ukraine. The US Secretary of State emphasized the importance of further integrating Ukraine with Europe and stated that one of the reasons Putin can continue his aggression against Ukraine is China's support for Russia's military industries, which acts as fuel for Russia's war machine. He also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with China on international challenges. Antony Blinken stated that Russia aims to create a multipolar society in the US and disrupt the democratic process through disinformation. The US Secretary of State added that they would 'strongly' confront this issue in partnership with their European allies. Blinken emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Regarding the conflicts in Gaza, Mr. Blinken stressed the need to prevent further tensions in the Middle East and the US's commitment to ending these conflicts, stating that to advance other actions, a ceasefire must be achieved. He highlighted the unprecedented attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel and emphasized the importance of countries' unity, stating that this is a future that can be envisioned where countries support each other against the aggression of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy groups, ultimately leading to the isolation of Tehran and these groups. The US Secretary of State stated that such a positive and powerful future requires a ceasefire in Gaza and that Palestinians should be able to have their own country. Antony Blinken added that he would discuss more broadly about strengthening the unity of countries, including NATO, especially against the threats we face. Antony Blinken's trip to the UK comes ahead of the British Prime Minister's second visit to the White House on Friday, September 23. This press conference was broadcast with simultaneous translation from Voice of America television and social media.