EU extends sanctions on Iran for backing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine

The European Council has extended the restrictive measures in response to Iran's military support for Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine, armed groups, and organizations in the Middle East and the Red Sea region until July 27, 2025.

The European Council reports this on its website.

Currently, the sanctions regime applies to 12 individuals and nine organizations.

These persons' assets are frozen, and providing them with funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, is prohibited. In addition, these individuals are subject to a travel ban to the EU.

In its conclusions of March 21 and 22, 2024, the European Council called on third parties, including Iran, to immediately stop providing material support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

In its conclusions of 17 and 18 April 2024, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to further restrictive measures against Iran, particularly regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Finally, the Council confirmed that the EU remains fully committed to promoting de-escalation and security in the region.

On May 14, 2024, the Council broadened the EU's restrictive measures concerning Iran's military assistance in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. This included both drones and missiles, as well as Iran's backing of armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. 

For reference:

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow received support from the countries of the so-called "axis of evil," among which Iran occupies a prominent place. Tehran supplies Russia with weapons, including Shahed drones.

It should be noted that the new president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasized that under his leadership, Tehran will maintain stable relations with its "valuable ally" Russia and also stated that he seeks peace for "Russians and Ukrainians."

"The Russian Federation is a valuable strategic ally and neighbor of Iran, and my administration will remain committed to expanding and intensifying our cooperation," Pezeshkian said.

In addition, Pezeshkian said that he wants a "constructive dialogue" with the EU countries and called on the USA to "correct its policy."

"Despite these mistakes, I look forward to a constructive dialogue with European countries to set our relations on the right path, based on the principles of mutual respect and equality," the Iranian president said.

He called on the EU to "suspend accusations" and offered economic, technological, energy and other cooperation.

Earlier, CNN reported on Iran's method of supplying weapons to Russia, which the West is unable to prevent.