Iran claims EU sanctions targeting airlines and missile developers ‘unjustified’

Iran has condemned a raft of sanctions announced by the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) as “unjustified” and “contrary to international law”. 

Esmaeil Baghaei, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, claimed that the sanctions imposed against individuals, airlines and missile developers were designed to “divert public attention” from the “genocide of Palestinians”.  

Baghaei specifically rejected the EU’s assertion that Iran has transferred missiles and drones to Russia for use against Ukraine.   

“From the outset of the conflict, Iran has opposed the war and emphasized respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all countries, advocating for a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine dispute,” Baghaei said. 

The new EU sanctions, which were also introduced in response to Iran “undermining peace and security” in the Middle East, included Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran Air plus two procurement firms. 

“These are respectively responsible for the transfer and supply, through transnational procurement networks, of Iran-made UAVs and related components and technologies to Russia, to be used in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Two companies involved in the production of propellant used to launch rockets and missiles were also listed,” the EU said on October 14, 2024. 

In addition to the asset freeze and travel bans imposed on the airlines, prominent Iranian defense officials, including the Deputy Defense Minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, were also sanctioned.  

The sanctions extend to members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and managers of listed aerospace companies. 

The UK’s new round of sanctions targeted senior Iranian military figures and organizations for their role in attempting to destabilize the Middle East. 

“Despite repeated warnings, the dangerous actions of Iran and its proxies are driving further escalation in the Middle East. Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts,” the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. 

Despite repeated warnings, the dangerous actions of Iran and its proxies are driving further escalation in the Middle East.Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts. https://t.co/vfoIrzKyh4— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) October 14, 2024 Included among the individuals and entities sanctioned by the UK were senior figures in the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s Air Force and the IRGC Intelligence Organization. 

The sanction package also included Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that can be used in cruise missiles, as well as the Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in ballistic missile development. 

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