Berlin: The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have announced new sanctions against Iran in response to its provision of ballistic missiles to Russia, escalating tensions between Iran and the West.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the three nations declared sanctions on Iran Air, as well as entities and individuals linked to the missile transfers. The move aims to punish Tehran for what is seen as a destabilizing role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces are using Iranian-supplied missiles.
The announcement follows a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Blinken revealed that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, calling it a “dramatic escalation” of the conflict. “The United States will impose additional sanctions on Iran to address this threat,” Blinken said, reinforcing the unified response from Western allies.
In their joint statement, the E3 bloc—comprising the UK, France, and Germany—strongly condemned Iran’s missile exports and Russia’s procurement of these weapons. They described the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles as a “direct threat to European security,” adding further urgency to the imposition of sanctions.
In retaliation for Iran’s actions, the E3 nations announced they will suspend all air connectivity with Iran. “We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran,” the statement read. “Furthermore, we will seek the designation of key individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program and the transfer of missiles and other weapons to Russia. Iran Air will also be targeted as part of these sanctions.”
Beyond ballistic missiles, Iran has also been supplying armed drones to Russia, which have played a significant role in Russian aerial strikes on Ukraine, further complicating the conflict.
