Iran Rejects EU and UK Sanctions, Denies Missile Transfers to Russia

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has criticized the recent sanctions imposed by the EU and the UK on individuals and entities, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

In a post on X on November 19, Araghchi stated that the EU and the UK had accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia and imposed sanctions on Tehran “without presenting any evidence.”

“At the same time, based on documents submitted to the court, British media today reveal that the UK, fully aware that Israel uses its arms and F-35 components in a grave violation of international humanitarian law, continues to export these weapons,” he added.

Araghchi said the UK’s justification for the behavior was maintaining ties with the US and NATO, and added that it demonstrated “double standards” and “abdication” of responsibility toward human rights.

In addition, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai described the measures as unjustified and in violation of international law and the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA).

The spokesperson accused the EU and the UK of systematically violating human rights, particularly through sanctions affecting civil aviation and shipping, which “impacted the fundamental rights of Iranians,” and said that freedom of navigation and maritime trade were fundamental principles of international maritime law.

Baqai rejected allegations that Iran transferred ballistic missiles to Russia, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remark in September that “there is no evidence yet that Russia has already used Iranian ballistic missiles against Ukraine”.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry website said in a statement on November 19 that, after a meeting with senior ministry officials, including the foreign minister, a decision was made on how to respond to the sanctions, which it described as “illegal, unjustified, and contrary to international law.”

Referring to the recent sanctions, Iranian Deputy Roads Minister Aliakbar Safai said that Iran “will try to render the sanctions ineffective.”

On November 18, the UK announced sanctions against Iran’s national airline and shipping carrier over the supposed transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. State-owned Iran Air and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) will face asset freezes for supplying weapons used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

On the same day, Iran’s direct flight to and from London, operated by the national airline Iran Air (Homa), was suspended. The flight was the last remaining direct air connection between Iran and the UK. No flights will be operated by Iranian airlines to Europe, according to Iranian sources.

The EU also expanded sanctions against Iran over its alleged support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. IRISL and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani, were among those added to the sanctions list.

On October 14, the Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on seven individuals and seven organizations for their alleged involvement in the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. The sanctions included three Iranian airlines – Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran Air – and two procurement firms accused of facilitating the transfer of Iran-made UAVs, components, and technologies to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Two companies involved in producing rocket and missile propellants were also targeted.

In addition, the EU imposed restrictive measures on several prominent figures, including Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Qods Force, IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division. The managing directors of EU-listed companies Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries and Aerospace Industries Organization were also sanctioned.

On the same day, the UK introduced a new round of sanctions targeting senior figures in the Iranian military, including the Army, Air Force, and IRGC Intelligence Organisation, in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on October 1. These sanctions also designated the Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau, which designs and manufactures parts for cruise missiles, and the Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies applicable to ballistic missile development.

The UK had already imposed over 400 sanctions on Iran, including designations against the IRGC as a whole and many of those responsible for the recent attack on Israel.