The EU is imposing new sanctions against Iran over the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. The punitive measures are intended to hit companies, institutions and people involved in the production and supply of these weapons, EU diplomats said following a corresponding decision by foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
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The European Union had previously warned Iran several times against passing on 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 will then lead to even more suffering and destruction there.
Missiles expand Russian arsenal
According to official US information, the missiles delivered are short-range Fath 360 missiles. They are estimated to have a range of around 120 kilometers and, according to military officials, will enable Russia to reserve its own longer-range missiles for other missions.
The Iranian missiles improved Russia’s ability to carry out precision strikes against the Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front lines, a recent Defense Ministry intelligence report in London said. The missiles, which were first presented in 2020, can carry a 150 kilogram warhead and hit their target with an accuracy of supposedly 30 meters.
Names will be published in the EU Official Journal
Business will no longer be allowed to do business with the companies and people affected by the new EU sanctions. In addition, assets existing in the EU will be frozen and affected people will no longer be allowed to enter the EU. Who exactly is affected will soon be published in the EU Official Journal.
The EU had already imposed sanctions on Iran a few months ago because of the delivery of so-called kamikaze drones to Russia. According to intelligence findings, artillery ammunition was also delivered to Russia.
Iran denies the allegations – the federal government counters
Meanwhile, Iran denies supplying 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 put more pressure on Iran.
According to its own statements, Iran has “strategic cooperation” with Moscow. However, the Iranian leadership emphasizes that this is not related to the war in Ukraine. Tehran says Iran considers the delivery of military aid to warring parties to be inhumane.
The German Minister of State Anna Lührmann (Greens) said on the subject in Luxembourg: “There is very clear evidence that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles and that is clearly not compatible with the obligation for peace.” We are committed to ensuring that Ukrainians have the right to decide for themselves about their future. That is why Russia should not be supported militarily. Lührmann represents Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Luxembourg, who canceled her participation at short notice due to another date.
The EU is imposing new sanctions against Iran over the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia. The punitive measures are intended to hit companies, institutions and people involved in the production and supply of these weapons, EU diplomats said following a corresponding decision by foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
The European Union had previously warned Iran several times against passing on 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 will then lead to even more suffering and destruction there.