The Western nations implement fresh restrictions on Iran due to weapon deliveries towards Russia.
Russia has received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran, allegedly planning to utilize them against Ukrainians in Ukraine within a couple of weeks, as claimed by Blinken in London. The missiles are reportedly Fath-360s, capable of traveling up to 120 kilometers.
Blinken referred to the recent statements made by Iran's newly elected President, Massoud Peseschkian, expressing Iran's desire to revive relationships with Europe and lift sanctions. However, Blinken stressed that such actions would only trigger the opposite effect.
As per the Treasury Department in Washington D.C., ten individuals and six entities have been added to the U.S. sanctions list. Additionally, Iran Air, the national airline of Iran, has also been sanctioned for engaging in the transportation sector of Russia's economy.
The foreign ministers of the E3 countries voiced their actions against Iran Air and "entities and individuals" associated with Iran's ballistic missile program and the transfer of missiles and other weapons to Russia. They also emphasized on an "escalation" that represents a "direct threat" to European security. Prior to this, Iran was warned about transporting weapons to Russia, they claimed. "We now have solid evidence that Iran has carried out these transfers."
Shortly following the joint statement, the British government declared that it would initiate the suspension of all direct flights to Iran, thereby limiting Iran Air's ability to operate flights to the UK. As per its website, Iran Air currently offers three direct flights between Tehran and London each week.
The European Union had mentioned on Monday about "substantial evidence" of Iranian rocket deliveries to Russia. However, Moscow and Tehran dismissed these claims. The USA had issued a warning to Iran in mid-August, stating that there would be significant consequences if it supplied missiles to Russia.
Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ties between Moscow and Tehran have grown stronger in the fields of economy, energy, and weaponry. The USA and EU have already imposed sanctions on Iranian drone manufacturers. Daily attacks on Ukraine are being carried out by Iranian Shahed drones.
Despite Blinken's warning about the consequences, Iran's President, Massoud Peseschkian, continues to seek improved relations with Europe, hoping to lift sanctions. This endeavor, however, may further escalate tensions, as France, like other European countries, expresses concern over Iran's shipments of ballistic missiles to Russia, posing a direct threat to European security.
