- EU targets military support to Syria and Russia in aggressive measures
- The Council pledged to take strong action against any support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
- European Union and UK to keep sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program despite UN expiry in October
BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) announced on Thursday the implementation of a “new framework for restrictive measures” in response to Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its assistance to the Syrian regime.
Under this new framework, the EU will ban the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Iran, as stated in the EU’s official statement.
Furthermore, the EU has decided to add six Iranian individuals to two existing sanctions regimes, targeting Iran’s involvement in providing military support to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine (specifically regarding drones) and to the Syrian regime (related to air defense systems).
The EU’s announcement coincides with an appeal from numerous human rights activists, prominent lawyers, and former prosecutors to the UN Human Rights chief, urging him to intervene in an effort to prevent the execution of Iranian boxer Mohammed Javad Vafa’i Thani.
Background
In December 2022, the EU expressed grave concern over reports of Iranian drones using components from international sources, including Europe. The Council pledged to take strong action against any support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The European Union remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, offering ongoing economic, military, social, and financial aid for as long as necessary.
Sanctions against Syria were initially imposed in 2011 in response to the brutal repression of civilians by the Assad regime. The EU’s sanctions specifically target the Assad regime, its backers, and sectors of the economy that financially benefit the regime.
Analysis: Concerns mount as Iran threatens to expand Nuclear Program and Ballistic Missile range if European sanctions persist.
