EU Planning New Sanctions in Response to Iranian-Russia Missile Shipment

The EU last week said it will impose new sanctions in response to a recent transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia, saying the transfer was a “direct threat to European security” and is a “substantive material escalation from” previous shipments of Iranian drones and ammunition to Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In a Sept. 13 statement, the Council of the European Union said the transfer came as Russia has launched more attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure, including with ballistic missiles and drones. “Iranian ballistic missiles could now be used to cause further suffering and destruction in Ukraine,” it said.

The council said it has “repeatedly strongly cautioned Iran against” these transfers and is planning new sanctions. “The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, including the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes, and in this regard is considering restrictive measures in Iran’s aviation sector as well,” it said.