Iran’s drones and missiles: EU adopts further sanctions

The Council adopted restrictive measures against six individuals and three entities for their role in the transfer of  unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine;the transfer of UAVs or missiles to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region;  or for being involved in Iran’s UAV programme.

The listings include:

• Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG) – a central entity in the command chain of Iran’s armed forces making operational military decisions about the deployment of UAVs – and one of its commanders
• Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC – an Iran-based company procuring and selling components for the manufacturing of UAVs – together with its CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors
• the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), which is involved in the delivery of Iranian arms, including Iranian UAVs and missiles to be used by armed groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah in the Middle East and Red Sea region

Furthermore, the Council decided to list the Minister of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and the head of EU-listed Iranian Aviations Industries Organization (IAIO), Afshin Khaji Fard.

Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.

EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran

Background

In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council stated that Russia’s access to sensitive items and technologies with battlefield relevance must be restricted to the maximum extent possible, including by targeting entities in third countries enabling this circumvention. Moreover, the European Council stated that the Union would continue to work intensely with regional and international partners to prevent further regional escalation, notably in Lebanon and the Red Sea.

In its conclusions of 17 April 2024, the European Council strongly and unequivocally condemned the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel, called on Iran and its proxies to cease all attacks, and urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region. Furthermore, the European Council stated that the EU would take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to UAVs and missiles.

On 14 May 2024, the Council broadened the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, so as to cover both drones and missiles, as well as the Iranian drone and missile programme’s support for armed groups and entities in the Middle-East and the Red Sea region. Furthermore, the Council prohibited the export of further components used in the development and production of UAVs from the EU to Iran.

More information: Council of the EU