EU Sanctions Iranian Airlines Over Drone Transfers to Russia

The European Union has imposed sanctions on seven individuals and seven entities, including three Iranian airlines, in response to Iran’s transfer of missiles and drones to Russia. This decisive action follows a commitment from the European Council in March 2024 to swiftly address any ballistic missile transfers from Iran to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The sanctioned airlines—Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran Air—along with two procurement firms, have been implicated in supplying Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies to Russia. These drones, particularly the Shahed-136, have played a crucial role in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.

The Shahed-136 drones, known as “kamikaze” or “suicide drones,” are designed to strike ground targets with explosive warheads. They have been utilized since late 2022 to attack vital infrastructure, including energy facilities, transportation networks, and civilian areas, significantly impacting the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Russia has developed a domestic version of the Shahed-136, called the Geran-2, to supplement its military capabilities.

The sanctions also extend to companies involved in producing missile propellants, which are critical for launching rockets and missiles. In addition to asset freezes and travel bans on the airlines, several high-ranking Iranian defense officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, have been sanctioned. Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and executives from aerospace companies are also targeted.

The EU emphasizes that Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia poses a direct threat to European security and represents a significant escalation in Iran’s military involvement in the conflict. These sanctions underscore the EU’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the transfer of military technologies that undermine regional stability.

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