EU Expands Sanctions on Iran Over Support for Russia in Ukraine Conflict

On November 18, the European Union announced an expansion of its sanctions against Iran, targeting companies, individuals, and ports linked to Iran's continued military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU's decision focuses on entities involved in the transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology to Russia, contributing to its ongoing war efforts.

The new sanctions include freezing assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), Iran's national maritime carrier, which has been involved in shipping drones and missiles on behalf of Iran's *Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Additionally, Iranian ports on the Caspian Sea, including Amirabad and Anzali, are targeted, blocking access to these facilities for any vessels linked to the sanctioned entities, though exceptions will be made for humanitarian assistance.

The EU also added several Russian shipping companies—MG Flot, VTS Broker, and Arapax to its sanctions list, accusing them of being involved in transporting Iranian weapons and ammunition, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), across the Caspian Sea to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.

These sanctions are part of the EU’s broader strategy of isolating Iran diplomatically and economically in response to its support for Russia and its human rights abuses. The EU has previously sanctioned hundreds of Iranian individuals and entities linked to various violations, including the crackdown on domestic protests and its nuclear proliferation activities.

The EU emphasized that the sanctions were a direct response to Iran’s military support for Russia, particularly the transfer of UAVs and missiles used in attacks against Ukraine. The move follows accusations from Western nations, including the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany, that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and related technologies to support its war against Ukraine.

Iranian Denial

Iran has consistently denied the accusations, with Ali Safaei, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, dismissing the EU’s claims as "baseless." He accused the West of disseminating false information to further their political agendas. However, the evidence of ongoing military cooperation between Iran and Russia has continued to mount, particularly regarding the provision of drones such as the Shahed-136.

Broader Impact of Sanctions

In addition to these new sanctions, the EU's previous measures have included asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on economic resources for individuals and entities involved in Iran's support of military operations in Ukraine and its human rights abuses at home.

The EU sanctions now affect 227 individuals and 42 entities in Iran, including airlines like Iran Air, *Saha Airlines, and **Mahan Air*, which have been accused of aiding in the transfer of weapons to Russia.