Europe EU imposes new Iran sanctions over missile deliveries
The EU is imposing new sanctions against Iran due to the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. The punitive measures are intended to affect companies, institutions and individuals involved in the production and delivery of these weapons, EU diplomats said following a corresponding decision by foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
14.10.2024, 10:49
SDA
The European Union had previously warned Iran several times not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia and sees this step as a new breach of taboo. Like the USA and Great Britain, it assumes that the weapons will be used in the war against Ukraine and then lead to even more suffering and destruction there.
Missiles expand Russian arsenal
According to official US information, the missiles supplied are short-range Fath 360 missiles, which are estimated to have a range of around 120 kilometers and, according to military officials, will enable Russia to reserve its own missiles with a longer range for other missions.
The Iranian missiles improved Russia's ability to launch precision strikes against the Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front line, according to a recent intelligence report by the Ministry of Defense in London. According to the report, the missiles, which were first presented in 2020, can carry a 150-kilogram warhead and allegedly hit their target with an accuracy of 30 meters.
Names to be published in the EU Official Journal
Companies and individuals affected by the new EU sanctions will no longer be allowed to do business with them in future. In addition, assets held in the EU will be frozen and affected persons will no longer be allowed to enter the EU. Exactly who is affected will be published in the EU Official Journal shortly.
The EU had already imposed sanctions against Iran a few months ago due to the delivery of so-called kamikaze drones to Russia. According to intelligence findings, artillery ammunition was also supplied to Russia.
Iran denies accusations - German government counters
Meanwhile, Iran denies the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. "I have said this several times and I will say it again: Iran does not supply ballistic missiles to Russia," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi before the sanctions decision. The planned EU sanctions are therefore absurd and merely a pretext to exert more pressure on Iran.
According to Iran, it has "strategic cooperation" with Moscow. However, the Iranian leadership emphasizes that this is not related to the war in Ukraine. Iran considers the supply of military aid to warring parties to be inhumane, according to Tehran.
The German Minister of State Anna Lührmann (Greens) said in Luxembourg on the subject: "There is very clear evidence that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles and this is clearly not compatible with the duty of peace." They are committed to ensuring that the Ukrainians have the right to decide their own future. That is why Russia must not be supported militarily. Lührmann is standing in for Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Luxembourg, who canceled her participation at short notice due to another appointment.
