WASHINGTON, Sept 11 (Alliance News): The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s national carrier, Iran Air, as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany announced similar measures.
The actions are in response to Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, which has been described as a “dramatic escalation” and a direct threat to European security.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the sanctions, targeting both Iran Air and Russian and Iranian officials involved in the missile transfers.
The new measures also include sanctions on four vessels used for delivering weapon components and systems to Russia.
The European trio, known as E3, has moved to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran, severely restricting Iran Air’s operations into Europe and the UK.
This step follows a joint statement condemning the missile transfers as exacerbating the conflict in Ukraine and threatening European security.
Blinken noted that the sanctions aim to hold Iran accountable for perpetuating the conflict and providing Russia with advanced missile capabilities.
The sanctions also underscore a broader effort to limit Iran’s support for Russia’s war efforts and curb its influence.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani condemned the sanctions, labeling them as “economic terrorism” and asserting that claims of missile sales to Russia are false. Iran has also accused the West of continuing a hostile policy against its people.
The sanctions reflect ongoing tensions between the US, European allies, and Iran, as well as the broader geopolitical ramifications of Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
